Yamazakura New Born Single Cask 70cl – Bourbon 1st Fill Cask No. 17101 (Limited Edition)
Brand: Yamazakura (Sasanokawa Shuzo) | Category: Japanese Single Malt | ABV: 61% | Origin: Japan | Vol: 700ml

The Future of Japanese Whisky — Bottled Young, Built to Impress

Bold, untamed, and undeniably promising, Yamazakura New Born Cask No. 17101 is a raw glimpse into the next era of Japanese single malt. Drawn from a 1st fill bourbon cask and bottled at a fiery 61% ABV, this limited-edition release captures the unfiltered potential of a distillery stepping confidently into the spotlight. It’s a New Born by age, but a standout by spirit.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Bright and energetic, fresh banana peel, vanilla bean, and honeyed cereal leap from the glass. There’s a flash of white pepper and warm oak, hinting at the cask’s bold influence.

Palate:
Punchy and textured. Sweet corn, raw almond, toasted coconut, and charred citrus peel develop with intensity. It’s youthful, yes but remarkably structured and expressive. A sip that crackles with promise.

Finish:
Long, spicy, and warming. Lingering bourbon barrel heat meets a trace of green apple and cinnamon bark. It doesn't vanish, it evolves with each breath.

Production Details

Crafted at Sasanokawa Shuzo, one of Japan’s oldest sake and shochu producers turned whisky pioneer, this single cask release (Cask No. 17101) was matured in a first-fill bourbon barrel and bottled at natural cask strength. Non-chill filtered, non-colored, and strictly limited, a true single cask expression of Japan’s modern whisky frontier.

Perfect For

Collectors, adventurers, and those who drink not just for taste, but for narrative. Best reserved for tasting sessions where discovery and boldness are on the table. This is Japanese whisky, raw and real, for those who seek origin stories, not just age statements.

Expert Notes

Yamazakura New Born bottlings have garnered underground acclaim for their surprising balance and vivid personality despite their youth. Cask No. 17101 continues this trajectory, showcasing clean distillation and cask-forward maturation in a way that hints at greatness to come.

Customer Reviews

"Young, but gripping. It’s like listening to the first demo from a band that’s about to go platinum." — Ken, Makati

"There’s power, purity, and a story in every sip. I bought two — one to open, one to hold." — Noah, Cebu

"Best cask strength Japanese I’ve had in this age range. Insanely drinkable." — Tessa, QC

Interesting Fact

Sasanokawa Shuzo famously supported Ichiro Akuto by storing the Hanyu whisky stock during its crisis, making them an unsung hero of the Japanese whisky renaissance. Now, with Yamazakura, they’re carving their own legacy one bold cask at a time.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy neat to experience its full force and fragrance. Add a drop or two of cool water to unlock the orchard fruit and soft vanilla beneath the heat. This is a whisky to take slow sip, study, and revisit.

Distillery Background

Founded in 1765, Sasanokawa Shuzo is a pillar of Japanese tradition. Their whisky arm — Yamazakura, represents their commitment to evolving the craft with integrity. From silent support of legendary brands to quietly producing distinctive single malts of their own, the distillery stands at a crossroads of legacy and innovation.