At the crossroads of mountains and flowering cherry trees, Yamazakura Blended practices the art of balance. This Japanese release celebrates a serene idea of perfection, where each note unfolds with restraint, like a haiku scented by a calm storm. Aimed at connoisseurs of pure tasting, it speaks to those seeking a clear, subtle experience without harshness or showiness. Its distinction lies in the delicacy of the blend, the controlled ageing in bourbon casks and a non-chill filtered bottling, which preserves the natural character. Presented with a boxed set of 6 whisky stones, this Yamazakura becomes part of a refined ritual where chill is introduced without ever breaking the architecture of flavour. An exceptional companion to celebrate slow moments, chosen conversation and the subtle emotion of an animated glass.

Blend and maturation

Created by the Sasanokawa Shuzo distillery at Asaka Distillery, Yamazakura Blended is the result of a precise blend of four whiskies made from malt and grain. Maturation in bourbon casks provides a delicately toasted oak frame that imparts vanilla, light caramel and a hint of candied citrus. Here, the woody backbone does not seek dominance; it sculpts length and creaminess. The non-chill filtered bottling preserves natural texture and aromatic complexity, which may produce a slight haze or deposit, a sign of uncompromised integrity. At 40%, the alcohol integrates with exemplary fluidity, offering a caressing, never burning palate that gives time to savour the malt’s subtleties. Packaged in 50 cl, a format suited to chosen moments, this set includes six reusable whisky stones, true allies for precise service without dilution or flavour loss.

Tasting notes

• Colour : Pale gold, clear and luminous with straw highlights. The spirit suggests a delicate creaminess, promising a soft, enveloping mouthfeel.
• Nose : Initially airy and floral, with a diaphanous elderflower, followed by blond malt, light caramel and a faint salinity evoking iodine. With aeration, fine vanilla, golden cereals and a zesty hint reminiscent of delicate citrus are revealed.
• Palate : Light and oily on the entry, with a satiny texture that unfolds juicy pear, biscuit-like cereals and silky vanilla. Citrus freshness stretches the mid-palate before a lingering finish of orange marmalade, lifted by subtly warming woody spices.

Serving temperature and tips

Serve this whisky neat, ideally between 16 and 18°C, in a tulip glass or a slim tumbler that concentrates the aromas. The provided whisky stones allow you to lower the temperature without dilution, preserving texture and the precision of the profile. Place them in the freezer for a few hours, rinse before use, then add two or three to the glass according to your preference. Let the whisky breathe for a moment, swirl gently, then sip in small mouthfuls. The non-chill filtered bottling can create a slight haze, consider it a natural expression of the release, not a flaw. Avoid ice cubes if you want to keep the oily frame and the integrity of the flavours intact.

Food pairings

• Appetisers : smoked almonds, candied orange zest, buckwheat crisps, which converse with the vanilla and citrus notes.
• Raw fish : salmon or sea bream sashimi with mild olive oil and a touch of lemon, to underline the nose’s freshness.
• Poultry with a light glaze : chicken supremes or duck glazed with orange, a refined echo of the marmalade finish.
• Cheeses : aged Comté, mild cheddar, slightly fruity tomme, to carry the malt without overpowering it.
• Desserts : 70% dark chocolate, thin citrus tart, vanilla financier, to extend the woody sweetness.

Occasions

Yamazakura Blended is the ideal companion for occasions that call for discretion and measured intensity, when every detail counts and you want to preserve the purity of the gesture.

• To celebrate a moment of contemplation among aficionados, with precise service and no dilution.
• At an elegant dinner, where its satiny texture and citrus notes shape the flow of conversation.
• As an exceptional gift, thanks to the boxed set and the stones, a delicate gesture and a true connoisseur’s signature.

Product details

• Name : Yamazakura Blended - Boxed set with 6 whisky stones
• Origin : Japan
• Distillery : Sasanokawa Shuzo, Asaka Distillery
• Style : Japanese blended whisky
• Blend : 4 whiskies of malt and grain
• Maturation : bourbon casks
• Alcohol strength : 40%
• Volume : 50 cl
• Filtration : non-chill filtered, light deposit possible
• Accessories : boxed set with 6 reusable whisky stones
• Service : best served neat, with stones to chill without dilution