The best whisky in the world?

That’s the only way to begin a review of the Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2016 edition. Last year the Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013 edition was named the best whisky in the world by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. The consistent dedication to the pursuit of perfection inherent in Japanese culture dictates that the 2016 edition has to be even better.

And it may just be. This 2016 Yamazaki Sherry Cask is a deep red color. Its experience begins with a raisin nose, followed by a rich taste of chocolate and a bittersweet finish.

This is a rare, limited edition whisky. Only 5,000 bottles have been released and the list price is $300. Given the exploding popularity of Japanese whisky and the prestige of the 2013 edition, getting your hands on this bottle may require consistent dedication and a little more money than the list price. Of course; we are using words like “the best” here.