Yamazaki Whisky

Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Suntory`s Yamazaki distillery was established in 1923 and was Japan`s first malt whisky plant. It is sandwiched between the two big cities of Kyoto and Osaka, nestled up against forested hills rising out of the Kansai plain. Yamazaki`s single malts have been described as being the "most Japanese" of the Japanese distilleries. Not sure I know what that means. Another characterisation I read focused on the "bright, fruity flavours" of its products, which fits in a bit with my very limited experience. Suntory`s own description is: "Whisky from Yamazaki Distillery has delicate taste with [a] woody yet sweet and gorgeous aroma."

The distillery
On his return from Scotland, the Grand Old Man of Japanese whisky Taketsuru Masataka had advised the wine maker Shinjiro Torii to build his first distillery in Hokkaido, because of the similarities there with Scottish geography (see Yoichi for the fulfilment of this dream). Torii ignored the advice and built at Yamazaki, nearer to the great economic and population centres of the Kansai region. It takes its water from an area traditionally famous for its good water. The great tea master Sen no Rikyu chose to have his tea house here. It is also near the confluence of three rivers ( the Katsura, Kizu and Uji), which Suntory claims meet each other at different temperatures, causing a great deal of mist. The distillers say the mist is good for storing whisky, stopping the loss of moisture from the casks.

Yamazaki was Japan's first whisky distillery. It started operation at 11.11 am on November 11, 1924 (oddly and slightly unfortunately, this 11.11.11 time is when many Westerners commemorate the Armistice that ended World War I, so you probably won't hear too much about this little factoid in Suntory's English language marketing). Yamazaki's first whisky hit the shelves in 1929. It was also the originator of Japan's first mass-marketed single malt, the Yamazaki 12, which hit the market in 1984.

The Yamazaki plant uses 12 stills of three different types. These are used to produce spirits of the wide range of different characters needed in Suntory`s blends, notably the famous Hibiki. Unlike in Scotland, Japan`s highly bi-polarised (Suntory vs. Nikka) whisky market means there is little or no swapping of spirits between distilleries with different owners for blending. This means it is necessary for makers to produce a range of styles in-house.

A shop and a visitor centre are attached to the distillery where visitors can read about its history and sample products.

Suntory Limited Yamazaki Royal Giftbox with 2 glass Special Reserve Japan Whisky 43%

Item no.: 22227865403-3139

Distillery: YamazakiBottler: Suntory Limited Age: NA Type: Japan Whisky Alc. strength: 43% 76 cl. Other: Royal - Special Reserve - Gift set w. 2 glasses
402,00

1pcs.
361,75EUR
Suntory Royal 60 Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Japan 43%

Item no.: 22227865403-331

Distillery: Suntory Royal "60" YamazakiAge: 60 months Type: Single Malt Whisky Japan Alc. strength: 43 % 70 cl. Other: From the oldest distillery in Japan
603,00

1pcs.
542,75EUR
Yamazaki 10 year old Single Malt Whisky Japan 40%

Item no.: 22227865403-0

Yamazaki 10 Years Single Malt Whisky – discontinued version with yellow banderole

Yamazaki 10 Years is one of the earliest modern releases from Japan’s oldest distillery – a whisky that is now discontinued and therefore sought after by collectors. It represents the young, fruity and elegant style that laid the foundation for Yamazaki’s international reputation.

The aroma is light, clean and fruity with notes of pear, apple, citrus and a mild honeyed sweetness. Beneath the fruitiness lie subtle tones of vanilla and light oak, typical of Yamazaki’s combination of American and Japanese oak.

The taste is soft and balanced with nuances of malt, vanilla, citrus and a gentle spicy note from the oak. There is also a mild floral character and a touch of tropical fruit, giving the whisky an elegant and youthful profile.

The finish is medium‑long, clean and lightly spiced with lingering vanilla, malt and a discreet sweetness.

Yamazaki 10 Years is a whisky that showcases the distillery’s style in its most accessible form – fresh, fruity and harmonious. A charming and now rare bottle that offers insight into Yamazaki’s early expressions.

Distillery: Yamazaki
Age: 10 years
Type: Single Malt Whisky Japan
ABV: 40%
70 cl
Other: From Japan’s oldest distillery
402,00

1pcs.
361,75EUR
Yamazaki 12 year old Single Malt Whisky Japan 43%

Item no.: 22227865403-334

Yamazaki 12 Years Single Malt Whisky 43% – discontinued version with yellow box and yellow banderole

Yamazaki 12 Years is one of the most iconic Japanese single malts, and the discontinued version with the yellow box is today highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. This edition represents the classic Yamazaki style from before global demand surged and made the bottle increasingly difficult to find.

The whisky offers an elegant and balanced profile where fruity and floral notes meet subtle cask influence from American, Spanish and Japanese mizunara oak. The characteristic Yamazaki fruitiness is evident from the first aroma: ripe peach, apricot, honey and a touch of tropical fruit, accompanied by gentle vanilla and soft oak.

The palate is silky and harmonious with notes of honey, citrus, spiced oak and a mild sweetness that develops into a more complex combination of dried fruit, light spice and a hint of smoke‑free malt. The mizunara oak adds a discreet oriental spice note that has become one of Yamazaki’s signatures.

The finish is long, clean and elegant with warm oak tones, fruit and a lingering sweetness that rounds off the experience in classic Japanese fashion – subtle, refined and perfectly balanced.

The discontinued version with the yellow box is not just a whisky, but a piece of modern whisky history. It represents a time when Japanese whisky had not yet become a global collector’s phenomenon, and when Yamazaki 12 could still be found on shelves. Today it stands as a coveted icon of both flavour and rarity.

Distillery: Yamazaki
Age: 12 years
Type: Single Malt Whisky Japan
ABV: 43%
70 cl
Other: From Japan’s oldest distillery
Podcats:
402,00

1pcs.
361,75EUR
Yamazaki 18 year old Single Malt Whisky Japan 43%

Item no.: 22227865403-18

Suntory Yamazaki 18 Year Old – discontinued version with yellow banderole

Yamazaki 18 Years is one of the most acclaimed and award‑winning Japanese single malts – a clear demonstration of what Japanese whisky can achieve at the highest level. This edition is silky, deeply complex and perfectly balanced between fruit, dark flavours and refined cask influence.

The aroma opens with rich sherry and raisins, followed by dark maraschino cherries and creamy coffee chocolate. The layers unfold slowly, revealing depth, warmth and a striking elegance.

The palate is full‑bodied and intense with notes of dark chocolate, rum‑and‑raisin, caramel and roasted coffee beans. The signature Yamazaki softness ties everything together, while mizunara oak and sherry casks contribute depth, spice and a subtle, smoke‑free warmth.

The finish is long, dark and refined with lingering chocolate, dried fruit and warm oak tones.

The Yamazaki distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient capital Kyoto, where pure spring water and a moderate climate create ideal conditions for whisky production. The method is based on traditional Scottish double distillation, but the Japanese have added their own innovations – including the use of rare Japanese mizunara oak casks, which impart a unique oriental spice character.

Yamazaki 18 Years is a multi‑award‑winning whisky, including:
– San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Best in Show, Double Gold
– SWSC Double Gold 2005
– IWSC Trophy 2006
– ISC Gold 2007

An iconic Japanese single malt, loved for its depth, finesse and exceptional balance.

Distillery: Yamazaki
Age: 18 years
Type: Single Malt Whisky Japan
ABV: 43%
70 cl
Other: From Japan’s oldest distillery
podcast:
938,25

1pcs.
844,50EUR