Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013: The Most Legendary Japanese Whisky Ever Released

Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013 is widely regarded as one of the most influential and collectible Japanese whiskies of all time. Produced by Suntory at Japan’s oldest malt distillery, this iconic single malt redefined global perceptions of Japanese whisky after being named World Whisky of the Year in 2015.

Powerful, elegant, and extraordinarily rare, Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013 has become a benchmark for sherry-matured whisky and a blue-chip asset for collectors worldwide. Shop now

What Is Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013?

This is a limited-edition Japanese single malt whisky matured primarily in Spanish oak sherry casks. Released as part of Suntory’s annual special bottlings, it showcases the boldest and richest side of the Yamazaki house style.

Key Facts

• Distillery: Yamazaki Distillery

• Producer: Suntory

• Release Year: 2013

• Type: Single malt Japanese whisky

• Cask Type: Spanish oak sherry casks

• ABV: 48%

• Availability: Extremely limited (discontinued)

Why Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013 Is So Famous

This whisky achieved global legend status after receiving World Whisky of the Year at Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2015. This award sparked unprecedented international demand for Japanese whisky and permanently elevated Yamazaki’s reputation.

Reasons for Its Fame

• Award-winning release

• Rich sherry cask influence

• Limited production

• Discontinued bottling

• Strong auction performance

Spanish Oak Sherry Cask Maturation

The defining feature of Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013 is its maturation in European Spanish oak sherry casks, which impart intense richness and depth.

Sherry Cask Flavor Influence

• Dark dried fruits

• Raisins and figs

• Bitter chocolate

• Espresso and roasted nuts

• Spicy oak and leather

This maturation style provides a bold contrast to Yamazaki’s typically lighter profile, making it a standout in the history of Japanese whisky.

Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013 Tasting Notes

Nose

Deep and expressive with notes of raisins, dried berries, orange peel, dark chocolate, and spiced oak.

Palate

Full-bodied and powerful. Layers of dried figs, espresso, black cherry, cocoa, and roasted nuts unfold with remarkable intensity.

Finish

Long, warming, and complex, with lingering sherry sweetness, bitter chocolate, and oak spice.

Rarity and Collector Value

This whisky is no longer produced, and the remaining bottles are tightly held by collectors. Its combination of critical acclaim, limited supply, and historical importance has driven significant price appreciation in secondary markets.

Why Collectors Want It

• First Japanese whisky to win World Whisky of the Year

• Discontinued and finite supply

• High global demand

• Consistent auction performance

It is often regarded as a cornerstone bottle in serious Japanese whisky collections.

Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013 vs Other Yamazaki Releases

The Legacy of Yamazaki Distillery

Founded in 1923, Yamazaki Distillery is Japan’s first commercial malt whisky distillery. Its diverse cask program and blending philosophy allow for extraordinary complexity across its releases.

This whisky stands as the most dramatic example of this innovation, proving that Japanese whisky could rival — and surpass — the world’s greatest single malts.

Is Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013 a Good Investment?

This whisky is considered a blue-chip collectible whisky.

Investment Highlights

• Historic award recognition

• Global demand across Asia, Europe, and the US

• Finite supply

• Strong long-term appreciation

It remains one of the most searched and traded Japanese whiskies at international auctions.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Whisky of a Generation

This whisky is more than an exceptional single malt—it is a turning point in whisky history. Its bold sherry character, critical acclaim, and scarcity have cemented its status as one of the greatest Japanese whiskies ever produced.

For collectors, investors, and connoisseurs alike, this whisky remains an enduring symbol of Japanese whisky excellence.