Born at the poetic crossroads of mountains and cherry blossoms, Yamazakura Blended Whisky 40% tells of a Japanese tradition that seeks grace without ever sacrificing precision. Designed for aesthetes who love to explore as well as for newcomers looking to take a first step into Japanese whisky, it delivers a clear, supple and contemplative experience. Beneath its controlled softness lies a well-structured aromatic architecture where luminous florals mingle with honeyed sweetness, vanilla and white fruits. Sasanokawa Shuzo distillery orchestrates a blend of grain and malt whiskies whose ageing in American oak ex-bourbon casks brings a satiny texture and a gourmand sparkle. Versatile, Yamazakura is perfect neat, on the rocks, or in a crystalline highball for a refreshing lift, while retaining its identity, style and serene aromatic signature.

Blending and maturation

This release is the result of a blend of grain and malt whiskies selected for their complementarity. Maturation in American oak ex-bourbon casks leaves its mark, adding notes of vanilla, barley sugar and delicate caramel. The blending work, carried out with artisanal precision, aims for balance rather than showmanship, preserving a smooth texture and exemplary drinkability. The spirit, bottled at 40%, integrates discreetly, revealing an accessible and nuanced profile that highlights the purity of the raw materials. Each batch is designed to express this fresh, caressing signature, true to the style of Sasanokawa Shuzo, where quiet elegance takes precedence over forceful display. The result is a refined blended whisky with a clear style, ready to pair with both neat tasting and the delicate art of Japanese cocktails.

Tasting notes

• Colour : Bright light gold, clear and luminous, promising a supple texture and precise expression.
• Nose : Sweetly floral, evoking elderflower and honeysuckle, lifted by buttery cereals, delicate caramel and vanilla. Hints of white fruits, juicy pear and a touch of dried fruit emerge.
• Palate : Silky attack carried by honey and old-fashioned sweets, then fine spices, cinnamon, clove and soft pepper. Infused herbs support a clean finish: barley sugar, vanilla, pear and a light spicy persistence, very serene.

Serving temperature and tips

Serve neat in a tulip glass to concentrate the aromas, or in a tumbler with a few ice cubes to underline its freshness. A splash of still water, added gently, opens the floral and vanilla facets without masking the spicy framework. For a highball, favour a fine, very cold sparkling water to preserve the line and aromatic length. Allow a few moments of airing so the honeyed thread can unfold and the vanilla round out. Store the bottle away from light and temperature variations to preserve its purity of expression over time.

Food pairings

• Appetisers : smoked salmon, vegetable tempura, roasted almonds, delicate ham shavings.
• Starters : fatty sashimi, tuna tataki, citrus sea bream tartare, moist poultry terrine.
• Main courses : honey-glazed roast poultry, yakitori, caramelised pork, roasted vegetables with gentle spices.
• Cheeses : young Comté, fruity tomme, lightly matured cheddar, demi-old mimolette.
• Desserts : vanilla-poached pear, crème caramel, almond financier, milk chocolate praline.

Occasions

Yamazakura Blended Whisky 40% is the ideal companion:

• For a contemplative moment at the end of the day, when you seek structured sweetness.
• At a Japan-inspired aperitif, served as a highball, for a clear, luminous freshness.
• As a thoughtful gift for a Japanese whisky lover who appreciates floral and vanilla profiles.

Specifications

• Name : Yamazakura, Blended Whisky 40%
• Origin : Japan
• Type : Blended whisky
• Composition : blend of grain and malt whiskies
• Distillery : Sasanokawa Shuzo
• Alcohol by volume : 40%
• Ageing casks : American oak ex-bourbon
• Volume : 70 cl
• Serving : neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water
• Recommended cocktails : Japanese highball, served on the rocks