Taster

Nose: Prickly at first but soon softening on fruity notes. Apples and pineapple in caramel. Creamy. Rhubarb flan. Blancmange.

Palate: Very sweet. A bit too soft. Then oak has its grip. But the appetising fruity basket of the nose is hidden in the oak cupboard!

Finish: Sweet with a bitter grip spicy aftertaste.

Comment: The palate does not keep what the nose promises. Disappointing. Sweetness does not make up for flavour.

Score: 7.3

Taster

Nose: Broad and quite sweet, reminiscent of roasting sweetcorn. Vanilla, spice, dried citrus peels, tomato leaf. On top, there's light freesia blossom. Cigar box.

Palate: Quite long and deepens in the middle into peach and a little sultana.

Finish: Ginger biscuits.

Comment: Yamazaki needs time and 12 years ain't enough.

Score: 7.3