Description

Japan’s oldest whisky distillery. 18 years in American, Spanish, and Mizunara oak. The benchmark of single malt Japanese whisky.

The Yamazaki Distillery was established by Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii in 1923 — making it the birthplace of Japanese single malt whisky. Located in the valley between Kyoto and Osaka where the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers converge, the site was chosen for its exceptional water quality and humid microclimate. Almost exactly 100 years later, Yamazaki 18 Year remains one of the most awarded and sought-after single malts produced anywhere in the world.

The 18 Year is matured across three distinct cask types — American oak for sweetness and vanilla, Spanish (sherry) oak for dried fruit and richness, and Mizunara Japanese oak for its signature incense and sandalwood character. The extended maturation integrates these three voices into a whisky of exceptional depth and consistency. It is the expression that most clearly demonstrates what makes Yamazaki — and Japanese single malt in general — different from Scotch or Irish whisky.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber with a resinous, slightly oily viscosity.
• Aroma: Rich and multi-layered — zesty citrus peel, plum, dark chocolate, and a prominent Mizunara incense note. Sherry cask influence gives dried fruit and warmth.
• Palate: Full-bodied with exceptional integration. Orchard fruit, dark cherry, caramel, subtle smoke, and the Mizunara sandalwood thread weaving through the centre.
• Finish: Long and complex — spice, incense, and a warm oak fade that evolves for several minutes.

Specs

• Category: Single Malt Japanese Whisky
• Distillery: Yamazaki, Shimamoto, Osaka, Japan (est. 1923)
• Age: 18 years
• Casks: American oak, Spanish sherry oak, Mizunara oak
• Size: 750ml