There is always something exciting about two totally distinct cultures working together to make something great – and it’s even better when you can drink the product. Widely considered one of the best whisky distilleries in the world, Suntory Yamazaki has just released this year’s sherry cask whisky – a drink that combines the flavors of Spanish oak and artfully made Japanese spirits.
Suntory sherry cask whisky is a tradition almost as old as the distillery itself – ever since 1924 they’ve been sourcing these casks from the northern regions of Spain. Shinji Fukuyo, the Chief Blender at Suntory, is now the keeper of that tradition – every year he travels to Spain to hunt down the perfect casks, oversees their charring, and manages the aging. The result of this meticulous process is a whisky with a dark brown and decadent ‘sherry’ color, a taste of deep, rich, sweet and sour chocolate with hazelnuts that finishes long with notes of bittersweet and sour. Only five thousand bottles are available worldwide, and they’re going for $300. Considering the 2013 vintage was named World Whiskey of the Year, we think that price point is worth every penny.
