![]() New Zealand Wines: A perfect storm of ideal climactic conditions conspired to make this the best growing season most winemakers in New Zealand have ever seen, and the bumper crop is already been widely touted as the “Vintage of a Lifetime,” something I explained in more detail earlier this year. If you have a fan of the distinct and powerful coastal Scotch whiskies like smoky, peaty Laphroaig, consider the new Hakushu Heavily Peated, which uses malted barley that has been given an extra dose of peat smoke while drying, and is aged in American white oak bourbon casks ($155). The hugely honored (see above) Yamazaki 25-Year Old Single Malt is the pinnacle of Japan’s artisanal craft whisky experience, available for $1,600 at top retailers. Suntory just released two more whiskies not previously sold in the US on our shores, so consider these brand new options if you want to give a gift your recipient has almost certainly never had. It also comes in a beautiful and distinctive bottle. If you have a fan of blended whiskies like Chivas or Johnnie Walker on your list, look no further than the Hibiki 12-year old, one of the best blends I have tasted, and for the price, simply exceptional ($65). Yamazaki is the highest-profile premium whisky label in Japan, and for a bigger gift impression, consider the vaunted Yamazaki 18 ($140), which I have not tried. I’ve had a fair amount of it and it is really good stuff. For single-malt lovers, check out the Hakushu 12 ($60) a medium peaty whisky that will be welcomed by people who drink Scotches like Bowmore or Oban. It may surprise you to learn that Japan has been making high-end single-malts in the classic Scottish tradition for nearly a century and a half, and in fact, produces the whiskies closest in style to the Scottish greats. Suntory's Yamazaki 25-year-old was voted World’s Best Single Malt at the 2012 World Whiskies Awards, no small honor. ![]() Japanese Whisky: Earlier this year I covered this trending topic in detail, writing here at that Japanese whiskies are “the next big thing.” I was right, and they continue to grow in popularity as their quality is increasingly recognized worldwide, with leading brands Hakushu, Yamazaki and Hibiki all winning gold medals in major international competitions year in and year out. Yamazaki is Japan's best known whisky and world class - especially with the 25-year old just.
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