This is a relatively obscure Yamazaki single malt release under the Suntory umbrella. It is probably the cheapest age-stated high-proof Yamazaki you can find out there. I have traded one before and sold it on for a price I couldn't refuse. I won this bottle at auction for slightly more than I was comfortable paying but hey, one could do worse buying Yamazaki 12 retail. The fancy washi paper label is a nice touch too. The differentiator here is supposedly the use of Golden Promise, the prevailing barley varietal from the 1960-80s that is highly reputed for its quality when malted.

Let's get down to the flavour.

Nose: Raisin and oatmeal cookies, macadamia nuts.

Palate: Prunes, pecan butter, walnut brittle. Excellent alcohol integration, oily.

Finish: Unexpectedly floral with elderflower and neroli coming up.

Score: 88

I can see why Serge of all people have this a 91. Odd that prices on secondary jumped up after the review but have normalised to slightly above pre-WF review prices (unlike the ahem LMDW Antipodes 2002 Benromach). One braces for a feinty spirit but the alcohol integration is actually very good. More oily than highly viscous. I think the palate could stand to be a bit richer. The florals are nuanced unlike horrid FWP whiskies, but are still slightly too heady for my taste. But wow, that well-formed oatmeal and raisin cookie note.