Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 notched up a record-equalling 97.5 marks out of 100 in the highly renowned whisky guide, which hails it as “near indescribable genius”.
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| Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2015 Edition |
Yamazaki’s offering beat off the challenges of two American rivals: bourbon William Larue Weller in second and Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old in third. It’s the first time a Japanese whisky has landed the prestigious accolade. Never before has a Scotch failed to make the Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible final five shortlist.
In a controversial editorial, Murray speaks of a hardcore of “astonishing” Scotches – but warns that some ‘old world’ distilleries are now beginning to churn out drab drams and mediocre malts.
Having tasting more than a thousand new samples for the 2015 edition, he laments: “Where were the complex whiskies in the prime of their lives? Where were the blends which offered bewildering layers of depth?”
Keita Minari, Europe Brand Manager for Beam Suntory, which owns Yamazaki, said: “It is such an honour to be Jim Murray’s World Whisky of the Year. Sherry casks were used to age the very first Japanese whisky over 90 years ago at the distillery. It provides a strong, rich character to the whisky and a delicate sweetness.”
Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible is now available from all good book shops and online for a RRP of £12.99.
Source: Dram Good Books