Yuza Second Edition Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Unlike several of Japan’s young whisky distilleries, Masaharu Sasaki passed up the trend of releasing ‘newborn’ expressions. Instead, Yuza entered the market with a Japanese single malt that picked up Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Challenge. 

This cask-strength second release was carefully selected from barrels from the first season at Yuza Distillery from February to July 2019. It’s estimated, but not confirmed, that this selection could contain up to 80% ex-Sherry barrels. As distinct from the First Edition—a very bright expression raised in ex-Bourbon cask—the Second Edition was blended for more complexity, depth and luxurious flavour.

This has a very old-world flavour profile (slightly reminiscent of top-shelf Speyside), and the alcohol sits in excellent balance with the complexity of the spirit. There’s a whisper of peat on the nose, with fragrant cereal notes before progressing towards deeper stone fruits and fig. It’s luscious and oily in the mouth, round and slightly earthy with spice and oat notes. It finishes dry with traces of liquorice and a mineral tang.