Hello, this is Peaty editorial team.
Yamazaki, a whisky brand that every whisky enthusiast knows. Recently, due to the global boom, it has been facing issues of being sold out or in short supply. It has become difficult for individuals to purchase, making it one of the whiskies that is becoming increasingly hard to enjoy.
That being said, you can still find Yamazaki whisky in stores. To help you enjoy this precious whisky even more, today we have put together some information about Yamazaki.
What is Japanese Whisky “Yamazaki”?
Yamazaki is known as one of the flagship Japanese whiskies. It is a brand loved not only in Japan but also by enthusiasts around the world.
As it is also known as a premium whisky, it comes with a high price… making it hard to buy casually for everyday enjoyment.
The Taste of Yamazaki
The unique flavor of Yamazaki comes from the partial use of Mizunara oak barrels, which provides a broad sweetness and a soft, smooth mouthfeel. It offers a soft, fruity aroma reminiscent of brandy, with a pleasant aftertaste of vanilla and honey. It’s very easy to drink, leaving the impression that various flavors are beautifully balanced.
Even the non-age statement varieties, which are typically thought to have a stronger alcohol presence, are almost free from any harsh alcohol smell, making them highly recommended for whisky beginners.
The History and Craftsmanship of the Yamazaki Distillery
The Yamazaki Distillery, which produces Yamazaki whisky, is the oldest distillery in Japan. To learn about the distillery is to learn about the brand itself. Here, we will introduce the history of the Yamazaki Distillery and its dedication to craftsmanship and production methods.
Basic Information about the Yamazaki Distillery
The Yamazaki Distillery is located in Yamazaki, Honmachi, Mishima District, Osaka Prefecture.
Nearby is the water source known as “Rikyu no Mizu,” which is recognized as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Waters, making it a very suitable area for sake brewing. The high-quality water sourced from here is used to create Yamazaki whisky. (By the way, “Rikyu no Mizu” is the only famous water source in Osaka!)
Additionally, the Yamazaki Distillery is also known as the first malt whisky distillery in Japan.
The Founding Story of the Yamazaki Distillery
The Yamazaki Distillery was established in 1923. The founder was Shinjiro Torii, the president of the then-Suntory. During his learning process of Scotch whisky production, he recognized the importance of land.
He believed that “good raw spirits come from good water, and good aging cannot exist without a good natural environment,” and he searched nationwide for suitable locations, ultimately selecting Yamazaki. When looking at the Yamazaki area through the lens of this belief, it became clear that it was not only a source of famous water but also a naturally blessed place, perfectly aligning with his principles.
After establishing the distillery, Torii appointed Masataka Taketsuru as the first head of the Yamazaki Distillery. Taketsuru would later become the founder of Nikka Whisky. (Currently, Nikka Whisky accounts for about 30% of Japan’s whisky market, and together with Suntory, they hold over 90% market share.)
Interestingly, Taketsuru argued that Hokkaido was more suitable for whisky production in Japan due to its latitude being similar to that of Scotland, the home of whisky.
However, Torii hesitated to establish a distillery in Hokkaido because of transportation costs and his desire to allow consumers to visit the factory. Therefore, based on the aforementioned belief and the convenience of transportation, he had Taketsuru look for a location, which ultimately led to the selection of Yamazaki.
As a side note, Masataka Taketsuru, the first director of the Yamazaki Distillery, became the protagonist in the 2014 NHK morning drama “Massan.”
In 1929, the first whisky produced at the Yamazaki Distillery was called “Suntory.” It was presented in a round bottle with a white label and was referred to as “Shirabana.” After the war, it came to be known as “White.”
Struggles of the Yamazaki Distillery
The first Japanese whisky, “Shirabana,” painstakingly created by the Yamazaki Distillery, did not receive much appreciation from the Japanese people at the time, who favored imported products.
Nevertheless, Torii persevered, repeatedly engaging in trial and error while pursuing his ideal whisky.
In 1937, a masterpiece was finally born: the “Kaku” bottle.
By then, the Yamazaki Distillery had been in operation for over ten years, and its stock of raw spirits was well-established, resulting in a collection of deeply aged, richly flavored, and distinctive spirits.
Thus, the Japanese whisky “Kaku,” which suited the delicate taste preferences of the Japanese, was born. Even today, it is recognized by its bottle design resembling a turtle shell and is primarily enjoyed in highballs.
In fact, the Kaku bottle has a deeper history than Yamazaki itself.
Furthermore, Kaku became immensely popular, leading Suntory to produce other renowned brands like “Old” and “Royal.” By this time, whisky culture had taken root in Japan, and “Old” became affectionately known as “Daruma.”
Meanwhile, Taketsuru completed his ten-year contract and moved forward with his initial plan for whisky production in Hokkaido. This later led to the establishment of the now-famous Nikka Whisky, but that is a story for another time.
However, it is heartwarming to see that two individuals who worked together ended up creating two brands that are still cherished as representative whiskies of Japan.
The Birth of Yamazaki: A Japanese Whisky to Be Proud Of
Yamazaki was born in 1984, approximately 50 years after the debut of the Kaku bottle. Suntory released the single malt whisky “Yamazaki 12 Years.”
At this time, single malts were considered a luxury item enjoyed only by a limited number of connoisseurs around the world. Due to the direct connection to water, environment, craftsmanship, and the characteristics of the distillery, they were regarded as exclusive products.
For a long time, “Yamazaki” was a whisky enjoyed by those with financial means, and it was not a common brand. Bottles like Kaku had more stable production and sales. This situation was not limited to Yamazaki; it applied to Japanese whisky single malts in general.
In 2012, a non-age Yamazaki was newly released. However, it still did not gain widespread popularity among the general public.
Then, with the spotlight on Masataka Taketsuru’s life in the morning drama “Massan,” Japanese whisky began to trend around 2015.
At one point, Yamazaki and Taketsuru were found in liquor stores everywhere, and they were available not just in bars but even in izakayas.
While I couldn’t find official data showing production volume trends, it’s evident from the price trends that there has been a shortage since 2015.
For example, the new price of Yamazaki 25 Years on Amazon was around ¥148,000 in 2013. In 2014, it was ¥152,230. By 2015, it had risen to ¥360,000, remaining the same in 2016. This surge in prices seems to correlate with the trend. The stability in prices from 2015 to 2016 suggests that production volumes were relatively stable during this period.
Starting in 2017, prices began to gradually increase. By 2020, it reached ¥820,000, and in 2021, it was around ¥800,000.
Yamazaki 25 Years is currently the most expensive in the lineup, but it had never reached such soaring prices before. The demand has clearly outstripped the supply, which may be understandable given the aging process required. The average price of non-age Yamazaki has also risen by about ¥5,000 compared to 2014, indicating a likely decrease in production.
Furthermore, due to the increasing demand, a price hike has been scheduled for shipments starting April 1, 2022. The suggested retail price for Yamazaki non-age (700ml) will increase from ¥4,200 to ¥4,500, and the 12-Year will go from the same volume of ¥8,500 to ¥10,000.
However, according to the official website, the distillation volume itself appears to be increasing. It takes time for distillation volume to translate into production volume.
In a few years, the production volume of non-age Yamazaki is likely to rise again. After ten years, the production volume of Yamazaki 12 Years may also increase, leading to a stabilization in prices.
At that point, the market prices may settle down, making it possible to purchase at retail prices everywhere.
Current Evaluation of Yamazaki Distillery
Currently, the evaluation of Yamazaki is somewhat divided.
It has gained worldwide popularity, and products that were previously sold in limited quantities are now fetching increasingly high prices at auctions. In Japan, on special occasions, people purchase Yamazaki 12 Years, which is highly regarded as a premium whisky.
Alongside this, the distillery’s reputation has also risen. The distinctive flavors and packaging are praised, with the use of sherry casks and mizunara oak contributing to the allure of its well-aged spirits. It is particularly well-regarded in the Asian market.
On the other hand, there are also criticisms that the taste does not match the price.
As mentioned earlier, the price of Yamazaki has skyrocketed, with even non-age expressions nearing ¥10,000. Considering it could be purchased for around ¥3,500 in 2014, it’s not surprising that some feel it doesn’t justify the current pricing.
Furthermore, many whisky enthusiasts in Japan are quite particular about Scotch. It seems that Yamazaki, which was once enjoyed by a limited group of connoisseurs, is now being favored by people who may not have a deep knowledge of whisky.
Additionally, it’s hard to deny the impression that the composition ratio has changed due to a shortage of original stock. The non-age expressions now have a slightly stronger alcohol presence than before, and a roughness is becoming more noticeable.
What Are the Characteristics of Yamazaki?
The Yamazaki Distillery is dedicated to crafting whisky with a focus on water and barrels, which are key characteristics of Yamazaki whisky.
First, let’s talk about the water. The founder pursued renowned water sources and has consistently maintained a good environment for whisky production.
Yamazaki water has a hardness of 94 degrees. For reference, 100 degrees is considered the boundary between soft and hard water, meaning Yamazaki’s water has a high hardness within the category of soft water. This high hardness contributes to the complex flavors and rich sweetness characteristic of Yamazaki.
The smoothness of soft water, combined with the slight hardness that adds personality, along with the water quality that easily leads to complex and rich flavors—all of these elements blend together to form the foundation of Yamazaki whisky.
Next, the Barrels
The typical barrels used for Yamazaki whisky are made of white oak, which is commonly used for many whiskies.
However, Yamazaki also utilizes Mizunara oak and sherry casks. The combination of woods used in these barrels creates the unique aromas reminiscent of “sandalwood and agarwood” found in Yamazaki whisky. Sandalwood is used in high-end fans and has a fragrant, incense-like scent that embodies a distinctly Japanese aroma. This also contributes to its identity as a “Japanese whisky.” Mizunara casks are extremely rare, with only a few thousand available throughout Suntory.
The straightforward character of white oak, combined with the aromatic properties of Mizunara and sherry casks, exemplifies Yamazaki’s dedication to whisky-making. These distinct and individual spirits are blended together, showcasing Yamazaki’s commitment to quality.
Introducing the Yamazaki Product List! What are the Flavors and Characteristics?
Yamazaki currently has four offerings in its product list: No Age Statement (NAS), 12 Years, 18 Years, and 25 Years. Additionally, there have been several limited-edition expressions released in the past.
Yamazaki (No Age Statement)
This is the regular bottle of Yamazaki that can be seen in various stores. It has become increasingly available not just in Japan but also in bars around the world. The alcohol content is 43%.
This expression is crafted by blending malt aged in traditional Mizunara oak barrels with various other malts, including those aged in wine casks. This complexity in flavor is what sets it apart, even as a no-age statement whisky.
The color is a slightly reddish amber.
It offers a smooth mouthfeel typical of Yamazaki, with honey, vanilla, and hints of dried mango that linger on the palate. While the overall aroma is floral, there’s a fruity undertone reminiscent of strawberries, and perhaps even cherries. This sweetness likely comes from the Mizunara oak, while the fruitiness can be attributed to the wine cask.
It’s an ideal bottle to experience the essence of Yamazaki.
Although prices have soared, it has finally become more accessible. In izakayas, you often see this bottle offered as a highball to differentiate it from the standard角ハイボール (Kaku Highball).
For drinking preferences, it’s better enjoyed on the rocks rather than straight. While the complexity of the flavors may be masked when made into a highball, the sweet notes become more pronounced.
Not just Yamazaki, but Suntory’s whiskies are well-suited for mixed drinks like highballs and twice-ups.
You might start with a highball for an easy introduction, and then switch to on the rocks when you want to savor the true flavors of Yamazaki.
ポチップYamazaki 12 Years
Yamazaki 12 Years is the most widely loved among the aged bottlings of Yamazaki, especially appreciated by whiskey enthusiasts.
In addition to being aged in wine casks and Mizunara oak barrels, it also includes whiskies aged in sherry casks that are blended together. This whiskey encapsulates the essence of all the malts produced at the Yamazaki distillery, offering unparalleled depth.
The alcohol content remains the same as the regular expression, at 43%.
However, the alcohol sensation is more subdued compared to the regular version. This allows you to fully experience Yamazaki’s gentle mouthfeel, making it popular among whiskey beginners as a special occasion drink.
When enjoyed neat, deep woody aromas emerge alongside flavors reminiscent of raisins and green apples, derived from the sherry cask, leaving a lasting finish. As it passes through the nose, you can also catch hints of ripe peaches and citrus, which is quite intriguing.
Overall, it presents a very complex and delicate flavor profile. It’s impressive how well the different characteristics of the malts have been balanced in this blend. There’s a sense of precariousness; even a slight change could disrupt this balance.
When enjoyed on the rocks, the tannins from the barrels become more noticeable compared to neat. Behind the elegant sweetness, there’s a spiciness. As the ice melts, the fruity notes start to emerge, blending with the spiciness to create an aromatic quality reminiscent of incense.
Twice-up gives an impression of enhanced harmony in flavor. The refined and complex taste remains intact, but it softens overall, making it more compatible with food.
As for highballs, it’s safe to say that opinions may vary. While it emphasizes the fruity aspects, some may find it less appealing.
ポチップYamazaki 18 Years
Yamazaki 18 Years is significantly different from the regular and 12-year expressions.
First, the whisky is made exclusively from malts aged in sherry casks and Mizunara oak barrels, with no use of white oak or wine barrels.
Moreover, after blending, it undergoes ample secondary maturation in small sherry casks. Secondary maturation is the process of letting the blended whisky rest for a while to stabilize the flavors, resulting in a refined taste.
The aroma features a refreshing mint-like vanilla derived from Mizunara, along with flavors reminiscent of dry raisins from the sherry cask.
On the palate, it is rich and bitter, akin to aged brandy. Even though it has a bitterness, it also contains a sweetness reminiscent of dried mango. Additionally, there’s a refreshing, juicy quality in the finish, evoking notes of pear and muscat grapes.
These complex flavors are harmonized through the secondary maturation.
While it has a full body, it feels lighter than one might expect. Compared to other whiskies produced through this method, it is relatively easy to drink.
The recommended ways to enjoy it are neat and twice-up.
When enjoyed neat, it reveals a supple depth. This allows you to enjoy the aforementioned characteristics more directly, so it’s recommended to start with it neat.
When served twice-up, the sweetness is enhanced, making it even easier to drink. Although the complex flavors become somewhat subdued, the finish remains rich. Adding ice pairs it well with Japanese cuisine, such as sushi.
Another great aspect is that even with a slightly higher water content, the flavor remains intact.
ポチップYamazaki 25 Years
Yamazaki 25 Years is a rare bottle crafted from carefully selected long-aged sherry cask whiskies. Its color is a reddish-brown, which is a testament to its long maturation in sherry casks.
The production is limited to just a few hundred bottles per year, making it one of the most premium offerings from Yamazaki.
The aroma tends to be strong, with sweet notes reminiscent of strawberries soaked in brandy, along with a smoky quality and bitter flavors that evoke dark chocolate and raisins. It has a very rich fragrance, giving the impression that various elements are tightly condensed.
The bitterness is likely due to the long aging process.
When enjoyed straight, you can savor a honey-like, syrupy mouthfeel. This is followed by flavors reminiscent of dried fruits and a rich, sweet note akin to strawberry jam. The nose is filled with a luscious aroma reminiscent of dark chocolate.
It has a flavor reminiscent of fruit liqueur. This unique experience is hard to find in other whiskies, so I recommend starting with it straight.
On the rocks, it is very easy to drink. Initially, you can enjoy the rich aroma and flavor of Yamazaki 25 Years, and as the ice melts, the sweetness increases while the mouthfeel becomes lighter, which is very enjoyable.
If you want to savor it during a relaxing evening, it is best enjoyed on the rocks.
A “twice-up” (adding a bit of water) is also recommended. It enhances the sweetness even more. While you lose the syrupy mouthfeel, it’s perfect for those who love sweet drinks.
The highball offers a refreshing contrast to other drinking methods. It pairs exceptionally well with food, especially Japanese cuisine. While the complex flavors become less pronounced, you can still sense a subtly sweet and bitter aroma. Sometimes, it might be nice to enjoy a meal with Yamazaki 25 Years instead of sake.
ポチップYamazaki 50 Years
Yamazaki 50 Years is an exclusive release, with only 50 bottles sold in 2005. At that time, the price was 1 million yen. Although very expensive, it sold out almost immediately. Demand remains high, and even if it appears at auctions, the competition is fierce, making it hard to obtain. Moreover, there are very few people willing to sell it.
When it was auctioned online, it fetched nearly 50 million yen.
Even the empty bottles are bought for over 100,000 yen.
In 2012, a third release occurred, expanding the total to 150 bottles. If you can find a bottle today, it is likely one from this release.
Yamazaki 50 Years is characterized by the use of whisky aged for over 50 years in Mizunara oak casks. The primary components come from whiskies distilled in 1960 and 1961.
It has a strong sweet aroma reminiscent of aged fruits, alongside the unique fragrant wood notes of Mizunara. A variety of distinct flavors intertwine, creating a miraculous harmony. The taste is powerful and profound, leaving a lingering finish that feels like it could last forever.
Just one sip fills your mouth with a sense of bliss.
The color is very deep, with strong red tones, and when held up to the light, it becomes a vibrant crimson. Simply gazing at the bottle is enjoyable.
Upon tasting, a rich aroma tickles the nostrils. The depth of the aroma is unlike anything previously experienced, with a syrupy consistency. When swirled, sweet, resinous scents emerge prominently. The scent of agarwood is particularly strong.
If one were to compare it to food, it would be akin to bitter raw chocolate and almonds. Both are typically enjoyed as whisky snacks, but Yamazaki 50 Years can stand alone as a complete experience.
As you drink, the initial sensation is a strong, syrupy mouthfeel. Immediately following this, the elegant and smooth aroma of agarwood spreads across your palate. A faint scent of sandalwood gradually emerges, followed by a rich flavor reminiscent of chocolate enriched with almonds and coconut.
Over time, flavors resembling a purée of perfectly ripe plums begin to develop.
The finish is characterized by deep richness, with a long, relaxed aftertaste that lingers notably.
The umami is exceptionally strong, encouraging you to savor it slowly and enjoyably.
If you ever come across a place where you can drink it, I hope you’ll try it without hesitation.
ポチップYamazaki Mizunara
Yamazaki Mizunara is a limited-release single malt series designed to showcase the diverse malt whiskies of Yamazaki. This is the fourth edition in the series.
When discussing Yamazaki, the Mizunara cask is indispensable. Only carefully selected malt whiskies aged in Japanese Mizunara casks are bottled for this release.
The color is a reddish-amber, featuring an oriental flavor reminiscent of fragrant woods and agarwood. The alcohol content is 48%, and it is bottled unchill-filtered, maintaining its natural essence.
The aroma is reminiscent of cinnamon, coconut, and buttered fried bread sprinkled with powdered sugar. Alongside this, the fragrance of agarwood incense emerges prominently. There are also hints of lemon peel’s acidity, bitterness from the cask, and the fruitiness of apples.
Mizunara is known for its acorns, and you can even enjoy flavors reminiscent of that in this whisky.
When water is added, the sweetness becomes stronger and richer, while the underlying woody notes become pleasantly aromatic. A slight spiciness, akin to ginger, is also introduced.
The aftertaste is devoid of bitterness or spiciness, leaving a sweet apple-like finish. A hint of berry emerges at the end. This lingering taste is wonderful, making it a whisky you want to sip slowly.
It’s a rare bottle that offers the unique experience of single malt whisky aged in Mizunara casks, something not found in other whiskies.
In fact, it is still available for enjoyment at the tasting bar at the Yamazaki Distillery. If you’re interested, a visit to the distillery would be a great idea. Please note that the tasting bar requires a fee.
ポチップYamazaki Sherry Cask
Yamazaki Sherry Cask is a whiskey that has been released in limited editions from various years, including 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013. Like Yamazaki Mizunara, it is part of the single malt series.
As the name suggests, the whisky is aged in sherry casks. Only carefully selected cask-aged spirits are bottled for this release.
The color is a vibrant brownish hue, with an alcohol content of 48%. The packaging is designed to match the color of the whisky, showcasing meticulous attention to detail.
The aroma features nuances reminiscent of roasted green chili peppers and grilled bamboo shoots, along with a strong scent of sweet and tangy strawberry jam. While the distinct Yamazaki woodiness is somewhat subdued, it is still perceptible.
The woodiness primarily comes from the Mizunara oak, which is evident in the aroma. In contrast, the strawberry notes are clearly derived from the sherry cask. Tasting both Yamazaki Mizunara and Sherry Cask side by side can reveal the origins of Yamazaki’s distinctive flavors and aromas.
Upon tasting, the first sensation is a warm mouthfeel. There are strong flavors of iron, akin to blood, alongside the sweetness and acidity reminiscent of kumquats. A bitterness similar to that of bitter cocoa adds depth, along with a slight astringency.
The palate is marked by strong sweetness and acidity, yet it also has a smoothness that balances the overall experience.
The aging impression is slightly younger, suggesting an age range of around 10 to 13 years.
Nonetheless, it possesses a notable depth of maturation, which is part of its charm.
Overall, it is a highly refined whisky that is likely to appeal to a wide audience.
ポチップCheck the Official Site for Yamazaki Lottery Sales!
Yamazaki offers a series called Yamazaki LIMITED EDITION, and new releases are launched every year. For example, in 2023, they have the Yamazaki LIMITED EDITION 2023 available for purchase.
Lottery sales are held on the official website during the first half of each year. Information about the lottery sales will be updated as necessary, so please check the page below!
Summary
We have provided a detailed overview of Yamazaki so far. In the past, various limited bottles have been released, and at one point, even regular bottles became difficult to obtain due to their popularity. However, the availability of regular bottles has improved recently.
The charm of Yamazaki lies in the richness of its whisky, derived from meticulously selected water and barrels, resulting in complex flavors and aromas through careful blending.
The use of uniquely Japanese barrels, such as Mizunara, combined with other cask types like wine and sherry, strongly reflects the distillery’s commitment since its founding. It gives the impression of a craftsman who has devoted a long time to perfecting their craft.
Additionally, the fact that Yamazaki is accessible even for whisky beginners adds to its significant appeal.
The recommended Product List includes the Yamazaki regular bottle and Yamazaki 12-Year-Old, which allow you to experience the most distinctive flavors and history of Yamazaki.
Although prices have surged, having a bottle of this premium whisky for moments of indulgence can certainly brighten up your daily life.