For the third year running, in what looks to be an annual tradition for Suntory, we have the Yamazaki Single Malt Limited Edition 2023 and the Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2023.

The first release started back in 2021 and was a huge hit and has been released annually since.

This year's launch will be sold via lottery much like previous years, the details of the lottery are below:

1st Window: 14th March - 2nd April (Application), 17th April (Winners Notification)

2nd Window: 3rd April - 19th April (Application), 9th May (Winners Notification)

Number of Winners: 1,000 winners per bottle for each window.

Ballot links are included below!

Yamazaki Single Malt Limited Edition 2023

For 2023, Suntory has said that the design has been renewed to feature a Japanese paper label that expresses tiger spots, which they've highlighted as a mark of a high-quality wood. On the box, the Yamazaki Distillery's storage room is depicted.

This is a blend of at least 12 year old Yamazaki single malt that has been aged in Mizunara oak "to create a rich oak aroma and rich flavor". It is bottled at 43% ABV and is priced at 11,000 Yen (or US$82.40).

"A mellow aroma and lively fruit flavor.

It is carefully blended with extravagant use of unblended Mizunara oak barrels that have been aged for over 12 years. 

Stretchy with sweet and sour. Smooth and thick taste. 

Pleasant spicy aftertaste. Please enjoy it straight."

Official Tasting Notes 

Color

Amber

Aroma

Pineapple. Orange, Nutmeg

Taste

Honey, Coconut Cream, Blueberries

Finish

Vanilla, Ginger, Faint Smoky

Ballot Link Here

Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2023

The Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2023 will also have a new design that evokes "the hope of happiness and health of people who spend time together", with a combination of Matsukawabishi patterns of large and small rhombuses and cherry blossoms and rindo flowers, which are considered auspicious.

It is said to have a "fragrant aroma reminiscent of flowers and a harmonious round taste" and is blended with a variety of well-aged whiskies as well as whiskies that have been aged in cherry blossom barrels.

It is bottled at 43% ABV and will be sold via lottery for 11,000 Yen (or US$82.40).

Official Tasting Notes 

Color

Amber

Aroma

Fragrant Floral Scent, Cherry Blossom, Osmanthus

Taste

Round and Relaxed Mouthfeel, Elegant Sweetness of Acacia Honey, La France Pear, Sakura Mochi

Finish

Long, Rich, Gorgeous Aftertaste

Ballot Link Here

Lead image courtesy of Suntory.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team