SMWS 119.2 A night at the opera
SMWS 119.2 A night at the opera, 24 YO, 57.4 %
Matured in a single Mizunara oak cask, this is an independent bottling of Yamazaki single malt. It was distilled June 1979, bottled June 2003, and limited to 370 bottles. This gem was released by Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS).
Nose: Exotic spices, reminiscent of incense and Japanese wooden temples. Dried fruits, caramel and earthy cinnamon. With time leather and hints of eucalyptus. With further time also red berries, strawberry jam and beeswax.
Taste: Sublime and full bodied. Light and heavy at the same time. Very concentrated and focused. Almost fizzy in mouthfeel. Earthy cinnamon and vanilla. Ginger and other exotic spices. Mildly tannic. Waxy mouthfeel.
Finish: Very long finish. A bit drier in style now. The spices are more prominent, including white pepper, but also accompanied by a balancing force of sugary sweet tropical fruits and dried fruits. Remains intense till the very end.
Comment: A study in refinement.
Score 92/100
Sláinte!
-Thomas
