A new Japanese whisky will land on Australian shores this coming February when Suntory Whisky releases the latest Yamazaki Sherry Cask. The 2016 expression is of limited quantity and only 246 bottles are set to be allocated to specialist whisky retailers and bars in this market.

The whisky has been created by Chief Blender and Great Grandson of Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii, Shinki Fukuyo, and if the 2013 cask is anything to go off, stocks won’t last for long.

In fact, Fukuyo has incorporated some of the same whiskies that created the 2013’s base in this whisky. An additional two years in maturation of what was deemed ‘World Whisky of the Year’ by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible has gone on to develop an expression that is complex and refined, with subtle tastes custom to Japanese whisky.

Over one hundred malt whiskies make up the entire blend of this whisky, rested in sherry cask for its rich and multifaceted flavour.

Described as “where Spain meets Japan in the form of whisky”, connoisseur should expect a raisin-like, deep sweetness and slightly bitter acidity from this expression. Fukuyo recommends this whisky first to be served neat to showcase its nose and with water to develop the whisky’s sweet character on the palate.

The 2016 cask will be available from Beam Suntory and will retail for $450.