Volume：720ml
ABV：18%

The classic “Yamazaki Umeshu Smoky” became highly sought after for its low sweetness and gentle smoky notes. However, since its last edition in 2022, it disappeared from the market for nearly three years… Just when everyone thought the Smoky series had come to an end, Suntory surprised us this autumn with the brand-new “Rich Amber Smoky”—an upgraded successor in every way.

This new edition matured for three full years in smoky whisky casks, a much longer ageing period compared with previous releases. On top of that, it blends umeshu with both malt and grain whisky, bottled at 18% ABV. Just hearing the production method already makes one eager to open the bottle immediately.

On the nose, gentle smoke and cask aromas appear first—elegant and subtle—followed by the soft acidity of plum, forming a layered and comforting bouquet. The palate is smooth with very low sweetness. Malt whisky notes and plum acidity balance each other beautifully without overpowering. The finish extends with refined smokiness, accompanied by faint plum acidity and slight oak bitterness—long, elegant, memorable.

Compared with the previous “Yamazaki Umeshu Smoky,” this new release feels more refined and elegant. Thanks to the whisky blending, the complexity and depth are noticeably increased. The smoky character is softer too, making it enjoyable even for those who usually dislike smoky flavors—truly a remarkably well-completed limited edition.

“Rich Amber Smoky” is a limited release for 2025. Whether it will ever return after being sold out—no one can say for sure.