A 1994 Yamazaki single malt from hogshead #4S70035, bottled in 2006 for Suntory's Owner's Cask programme. Where many Owner's Casks come from sherry butts, this one shows the lighter, fruit-led side of the distillery.
About This Whisky
A hogshead holds roughly half the volume of a sherry butt, so more of the spirit touches the wood and the outturn is small. This cask was distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2006, at around twelve years old. Expect vanilla, honey and orchard fruit here rather than the raisin and chocolate of a Spanish oak butt. The result is a brighter Yamazaki that still carries the weight of cask strength.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Honey, ripe pear and lemon zest, then vanilla pod, malt and a touch of sandalwood.
- Palate: Sweet barley and baked apple up front, turning to ginger, white pepper and toasted oak as the strength builds.
- Finish: Clean and lasting, with vanilla, fruit and a dry oak edge.
Serving & Food
Serve slightly cool in a nosing glass and taste neat first; water brings out pear and honey. It matches lighter food well: sashimi with a citrus dressing, grilled chicken yakitori with salt, or an apple tarte fine.
How to Enjoy
Anyone who wants to compare a hogshead Yamazaki with the darker sherry casks, and followers of the Owner's Cask series.
Product Details
Distillery / Producer: Yamazaki / Suntory, Japan
Series: The Owner's Cask
Vintage / Bottling: Distilled 1994, bottled 2006
Cask: Hogshead #4S70035
Volume: 700mL
Country: Japan
About the Distillery
The Owner's Cask programme gave private buyers the chance to own a whole cask of Suntory whisky. The first offer was 103 casks, 63 from Yamazaki and 40 from Hakushu, with a mix of ages and both sherry and bourbon-type casks.
Buyers tasted the candidates with a Suntory blender, chose their cask and decided how much longer it should mature. Suntory then bottled it with the owner's name on each bottle, which is why these whiskies are known by cask number.