Yamazaki Sherry Cask ‘world’s best whisky’

Jim Murray has named Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 the “best whisky in the world” in his new Whisky Bible 2015, where Scotch brands failed to enter the top five.

The Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 has been named the world’s best whisky in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2015

Described as a whisky of “near incredible genius”, the Japanese whisky, owned by Beam Suntory, was awarded 97.5 marks out of 100 for “nose of exquisite boldness” and finish of “light, teasing spice”.

Yamazaki, Japan’s first malt whisky distillery which opened in 1923, released the winning whisky as part of its 2013 Cask Collection in November last year.

Costing £100, the no-age-statement whisky has been aged in casks which used to hold Oloroso Sherry.

While Scotch brands have historically performed well in Murray annual Whisky Bible, no brands from the category were awarded a spot in his top five.

Of the industry, Murray wrote: “Some [brands] have taken their eye off the ball and not brought into account the changes which have altered the face of whisky.

“They began to believe their own PR hype and standard brands started standing still or going backwards.”

Last year, Scotch whisky Glenmorangie Ealanta was named the “best whisky in the world” by Murray.

The Whisky Bible 2015, which is now available to pre-order, contains taste notes for around 4,500 leading and lesser known whiskies.