1. Yamazaki 12 Years
Yamazaki 12 is a highly acclaimed Japanese single malt whisky produced by Suntory, one of the oldest and most prestigious whisky distilleries in Japan. The Yamazaki Distillery, located in the Vale of Yamazaki, was established in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, the founder of Suntory. The area is known for its excellent water quality, which is a crucial element in whisky production, and its misty, moist climate, which provides ideal conditions for whisky maturation.
Yamazaki 12 Year Old is celebrated for its rich bouquet of fruity and spicy flavors. It features a complex aroma with elements of peach, pineapple, grapefruit, clove, candied orange, vanilla, and Mizunara (Japanese oak). On the palate, it is smooth and velvety, with a taste that reflects its aroma, adding layers of berry, cocoa, and almonds. The finish is long and sweet, with a hint of spicy oak.
This whisky has garnered international acclaim, winning numerous awards and recognitions for its quality and craftsmanship. It represents the essence of Japanese whisky-making, combining traditional techniques with a unique approach to blending and maturation. Yamazaki 12 serves as a benchmark for Japanese single malts and has contributed significantly to the global popularity and appreciation of Japanese whisky.
2. Yamazaki
1) Yamazaki Story
In the past, the status of Japanese whisky was relatively low. However, the landscape began to change dramatically in 2014 with the success of a Japanese drama called “Massan,” which is based on the story of the founder of Yamazaki. This show played a significant role in reigniting interest in Japanese whisky. Furthermore, in 2015, the renowned whisky critic Jim Murray selected a Yamazaki whisky as his World Whisky of the Year, which further boosted the profile of Japanese whisky globally.
The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of demand for Yamazaki whisky, leading to a significant increase in prices. Even as production of Yamazaki 12 Year Old was ramped up to meet the soaring popularity, the supply remained insufficient due to the aging process required for whisky. Consequently, the price of Yamazaki 12 Year Old in Japan (at liquor shops or duty-free stores) surged to 280,000 JPY, which is considerably higher compared to other 12-year-old Scotch whiskies.
The Yamazaki lineup includes several expressions: the Distiller’s Reserve (NAS), 12 Year Old, 18 Year Old, and 25 Year Old. Additionally, there have been auctions for the extremely rare 50 Year Old and 55 Year Old bottles, which have fetched prices of 50 million JPY and 100 million JPY, respectively. Notably, various celebrities have mentioned Yamazaki as their dream whisky, highlighting its esteemed status among whisky enthusiasts.
2) Tasting Notes
When opened, it wasn’t a cork stopper but a screw type. Even without bringing my nose close, a sweet aroma wafted up.
Tasting it with a friend, we were both amazed. My friend, who doesn’t usually enjoy whiskey, described it as incredibly sweet with a plethora of complex and indescribable flavors.
On the nose, it offered a sweet vanilla scent, nuttiness, and a rich sherry flavor, with a hint of refreshing fragrance. It was surprising that a 12-year-old whiskey could offer such depth.
Tasting it, the initial sweetness blankets the palate, followed by a wave of warmth and stimulation from the 43% alcohol content, succeeded by the nuttiness and the presence of sherry. On a slow savor, it became intriguingly complex, with what was initially perceived as sherry unfolding into a variety of fruity flavors.
The flavor profile was robust, both in sweetness and warmth, without any light, fleeting notes. This made even the finish smooth. The whiskey felt luxurious in taste.
The finish was exceptionally long, with a spicy sensation that lingered, reminiscent of ginger, which seemed an apt comparison. There was also a slight stickiness left in the mouth.
This detailed description paints a vivid picture of the whiskey experience, highlighting its exceptional quality and complexity of flavors that even non-whiskey drinkers can appreciate.
3) Product Information
Product Name: Yamazaki 12 Year Old
Origin: Japan
Alcohol Content: 43%
Volume: 700ml
Manufacturer: Beam Suntory Distillery
3. Overall Review
this whiskey is understandably beloved by many. If the price isn’t excessive, I find myself desiring to keep an extra bottle on hand. The effort put into acquiring it felt entirely worthwhile.
Among all the products I’ve reviewed so far, this seems to be the most delicious. I’ve conducted around 30 whiskey reviews to date, and among them, the most expensive and tastiest was the Signet. Though, of course, Yamazaki 12 Years is more expensive than Signet.
Therefore, if you’re a fan of whiskey, I highly recommend trying it at least once. It felt like a product where the sweet and bright qualities truly justify the expense.
4. Link
Suntory Whisky Yamazaki 12 Year Homepage