Essence Of Suntory 2021 Volume 5 Malt Mania is a limited edition annual release which is usually only available to bars in Japan. The set is made of two limited edition Yamazaki bottles.
Bottle 1) Essence of Suntory Yamazaki Golden Promise (53% ABV)
Golden Promise is a brand name of malt most famously associated with The Macallan, who used it exclusively during the 1960s and 70s. Here in Japan, the Karuizawa Distillery started using the same brand once they were allowed to import barley from overseas, rather than use domestic. Distilled in 2009 and aged for 11 years in American oak casks, the company says it's soft on the nose but rich on the palate.
Bottle 2) Essence of Suntory Yamazaki Islay Peated Barley (54% ABV)
The second bottle in this volume was also distilled at Yamazaki and matured for 11 years in American Oak casks, however this one differs in that it was distilled from Optic barley that was dried using Islay peat. The results are a unique and delicious expression that is one of few peated Yamazaki whiskies on the market.