We’re aware that Christmas is still a good few months away, but trust us, it’s going to sneak up on you and you ought to be prepared. Preparation in our books generally involves stock-piling a good amount of alcohol. So, whether you invest in this super special, limited edition liquor as a gift for a lucky family member, or indeed for yourself, it’s probably well worth it.

The whiskies in the selection are Yamazaki Bourbon Barrel, Yamazaki Puncheon, Yamazaki Sherry Cask and Yamazaki Mizunara. The barrel size and wood type used to make them reveal the wide variety of whisky styles created at the Suntory distillery at Yamazaki, near Kyoto, Japan. The Yamazaki Sherry Cask, for example, is created in 480 litre Spanish oak barrels which have been seasoned with Oloroso sherry for three years. Clever stuff.

The Yamazaki Cask Collection are all non-age whiskies, and show off their origins and complexities in their taste. The Bourbon Barrel has a sweet vanilla flavour with tropical fruit and a lingering finish; the Puncheon has a balance of coconut and vanilla flavours and a rich aroma; the Sherry Cask tastes of dried fruits and chocolate; whereas the Mizunara is more complex and oriental with hints of aloe wood and cinnamon.

We’re definitely looking forward to Christmas now…