Suntory Yamazaki 18 Year Old

nose: heavy sherry influence, but not a bomb. There's a slight salty-smokiness (think lapsang souchong). Anise, menthol, dates, diced dried fruit, and soft mint close it out.

palate: initially sweet, followed by oak (a little drying, but playing well off the background of a creme-based dessert with honey). Some sherry, but also malt, and almost a Highlands sense about it. Thick for 43%. Some fresh green cardomom and black pepper as well.

finish: the oakiness comes out a bit more, turning the sweetness to leather, espresso, and very dark chocolate. the smokiness returns, balancing the sweetness.

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