Description

12 years. Single Malt. Yamazaki — the entry-level aged expression from Japan’s oldest malt whisky distillery, triple-cask matured in American oak, Spanish sherry oak, and Mizunara Japanese oak to produce the layered, fruit-forward character that introduced millions of collectors to Japanese single malt.

The Yamazaki Distillery was established by Shinjiro Torii in 1923 in the valley between the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers near Kyoto — a location chosen for its misty, humid microclimate that produces slower, more gentle spirit maturation than the drier Scottish Highland environment. The 12 Year Old is the distillery’s benchmark expression, drawing on the three-cask maturation philosophy that is Yamazaki’s signature: American oak for vanilla and coconut, Spanish sherry oak for dried fruit and richness, and Mizunara Japanese oak for the incense, sandalwood, and coconut character unique to wood grown in Japan’s northern forests.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Peach, pineapple, grapefruit, clove, candied orange
• Palate: Raspberry, cranberry, clove, vanilla, Mizunara spice
• Finish: Gentle, lingering fruit and spice

Specs

• Distillery: Yamazaki Distillery, Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture, Japan (est. 1923)
• Style: Japanese Single Malt Whisky
• Age: 12 years
• Maturation: American oak, Spanish sherry oak, Mizunara Japanese oak
• ABV: 43%
• Size: 750ml