For the adventurous, and lets face it, for those who are able to splash some cash without worry, may be interested to learn that the Yamazaki distillery on the outskirts of Kyoto are offering the chance to sip their 50 year-old expression. The chance to literally sip this highly rated expression however comes at a price. 10mls of this nectar will set you back 15,000 yen (approx. 139 Euros/ 185 USD) at the distillery’s tasting bar, which I was informed was not announced publicly. The 50 year-old Yamazaki expressions, regardless of which bottling, is the most expensive Japanese whisky to date either by bottle or per shot. One could argue that 15,000 yen spent on 10mls of whisky is ludicrous, but if you were to consider that in the past a proper full measure of this has sold for 90,000 yen (approx. 1,100 USD) its anything but. I guess another practical way to justify the pricing is to treat it as a once in a lifetime experience. If this is an experience you have on your cards, and for those who can, my advice would be to head on down to the distillery without further ado, as the liquid is limited, even for the distillery.
Photo courtesy of Ryo - thank you.
Wow...that is some serious cash for 10ml's of whisky. I honestly do not think I would part with that much money for that sip or two. Are you heading over to the distillery Clint?
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, Clint. I didn't notice the 50 yo when I was at the distillery last October. I tried the 25 yo instead at 2,300 yen. To be honest I am not sure if I would splash 15,000 yen for 10mls of any whisky.
ReplyDeletePierre, according to sources the 50 year-old was available since the beginning of the year. 2,300 yen I think is certainly reasonable for the 25 year-old though in my opinion. How was it? It really is a matter of weighing it up....15,000 yen for 10mls or 15,000 for a very reasonable bottle...there are certainly some excellent options out there for that price. What would readers of Whiskies R Us buy (bottle) for 15,000 yen?
ReplyDeleteBargain!
ReplyDeleteHi Chris (@Whiskywall), although I mentioned it is most likely a once in a life opportunity for most of us (considering the price and measure) I myself would most likely not pay 15,000 for a sip, unless I was extremely rich.....I'm not, therefore on my next visit, I may just settle for the 25 year-old which is in reasonable reach. I plan to head over there sooner than later as it has been a good 6 months since the last time.
ReplyDeleteHave you had the pleasure of this Brian? At such a bargain price perhaps you can give me the pleasure of consuming this by shouting me 10mls :)
ReplyDeleteIn the scheme of things not so bad a price. I'd do it for sure!!. No shouting anyone else though!! ;)
ReplyDeleteWell, you know, Clint, on second thoughts it might yet be a good idea to spend the 15,000 yen. When, after all, do you get the chance to try a 50yo? The 25yo, by the way, was an impressive dram, voluptuous and very assertive with a big sherry impact and with distinct notes of bitter chocolate and coffee. I don't understand, though, why they bottle it at 43% ABV. It might well do with a higher ABV in my opinion.
ReplyDeletePierre, I have been considering this myself. Initially I thought I wouldn't splash out 15,000 yen for the 10mls, but recently I have contemplated it, mainly due to the fact that there is no other way of being able to try it, lets face it, the majority of us are not in a position to buy a full bottle, and even if we were, they are basically now not available (especially overseas). Also if we were to come across it in a bar in Japan the price will be 8 times that. I guess it boils down to whether or not they still have any available by the time we get to the distillery. We do only live once I guess.
ReplyDeleteNo one's mentioned that by the look of the bottle plenty of people have stumped up their Y15000!! I reckon about 500mls been drunk so 50 people at 10ml a shot.
ReplyDelete