Yuza Second Edition Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Yuza Second Edition is a cask strength single malt Japanese whisky from Yamagata Prefecture.

Masaharu Sasaki did not follow the usual path for a new Japanese distillery. Instead of putting out newborn spirit while stocks matured, the decision was made to enter the market with a finished single malt, which took Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Challenge. This second release was selected from casks filled during the first season of production, February to July 2019. The composition is not confirmed, but the selection is thought to run as high as 80 per cent ex-sherry barrels. Where the First Edition was raised in ex-bourbon and came out bright, this one was blended for depth and weight.

A whisper of peat and fragrant cereal on the nose, then stone fruit and fig; oily and round in the mouth, earthy, with spice and oats, closing dry with liquorice and a mineral tang. Neat at room temperature, water optional. Old-world in style, closer to good Speyside than to anything modern.