Yamazakura 963

This is the very first time I am trying Yamazakura! I have no idea what the 963 stand s for, but I do know this is a blend of malt and grain whisky. Japanese? Nope. Sasanokawa does have a distillery, but they produce only saké and shochu, so this must be imported whisky again. The ABV tells me to keep water handy. Very grainy nose with hints of mashed potatoes (no kidding), famer’s butter, toffee and some nougat. A single yellow apple, all the way in the back. It is sweet, but not outspoken. Pretty sturdy arrival, but not scorching, despite the high ABV. Now I mostly get nuts, vanilla and lemon peel. Truth be told, it’s not too bad. The finish is pretty long, somewhat drying but oh, so sweet. My expecations were low, but they were easily fulfilled. That does not mean this is a great whisky – far from it – but I am pleasantly surprised.