History – the shortened version
About The Brand
The Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s oldest malt whisky distillery, was founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, the visionary behind Suntory. Located in the misty, temperate region of Yamazaki on the outskirts of Kyoto, the site was chosen for its exceptional water quality and unique climate—perfect for whisky maturation. Yamazaki’s establishment marked the beginning of Japan’s whisky industry, introducing the art of whisky-making to the country.
Torii’s apprentice, Masataka Taketsuru, played a pivotal role in crafting the early Yamazaki whiskies, drawing from his expertise gained in Scotland. This partnership laid the foundation for Yamazaki’s signature style, which blends traditional Scottish methods with distinct Japanese influences.
During its early years, Yamazaki faced challenges, competing in a market unfamiliar with whisky. However, its reputation grew steadily, with the distillery’s single malts eventually earning accolades for their complexity and elegance. Yamazaki’s signature expressions, including the 12-Year-Old, 18-Year-Old, and Mizunara-aged variants, are celebrated for their refined balance of fruity, floral, and subtly spiced notes.
The distillery underwent modernization and expansion in the 1970s, ensuring it could meet the growing global demand for Japanese whisky. This included the introduction of multiple stills of varied shapes, allowing for greater diversity in flavor profiles. By the 21st century, Yamazaki had become a symbol of excellence, with its 2013 Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask awarded the title of World’s Best Whisky by Whisky Magazine—an achievement that catapulted Japanese whisky to international fame.
Today, Yamazaki stands as an enduring icon, blending tradition and innovation. Its whiskies remain a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication of its founders, embodying the harmony of Japanese artistry and whisky-making expertise.
| 1899 | Shinjiro Torii founded the Torii Shoten store in Osaka. |
| 1919 | Shinjiro Torii establishes the Suntory Plant in Osaka. |
| 1929 | Suntory Shirofuda, Japan’s first whisky is introduced. |
| 1937 | Suntory Whisky Kakubin is introduced |
| 1956 | Suntory introduces its first vodka, Hermes Vodka. |
| 1973 | Hakushu Distillery is established in the Japanese Southern Alps |
| 1984 | Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki is introduced. |
| 1989 | Suntory Whisky Hibiki is introduced. |
| 1994 | Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu is introduced. |
| 2016 | Suntory Single Grain Whisky Chita and Toki are introduced. |
| 2019 | Suntory World Whisky Ao is introduced. |
| 2023 | The House of Suntory celebrates its 100-year anniversary. |
Their Craft
The Whiskey
Over the years, Yamazaki has earned worldwide acclaim for its meticulous whisky-making process, which blends traditional techniques with innovative methods to craft a whisky that is distinctly Japanese.
While the process has evolved over time, the core philosophy of craftsmanship and respect for nature remains unchanged. Yamazaki whisky is shaped by its unique environment, featuring high humidity and pure water sourced from the revered Yamazaki spring, regarded as one of Japan’s best water sources.
The Process
Malted Barley
Yamazaki uses imported malted barley sourced to exacting standards to ensure consistent quality. While the distillery does not malt its own barley, the selection process is rigorous to maintain Yamazaki’s signature character.
Milling
The malted barley is milled into grist in preparation for mashing. Yamazaki uses state-of-the-art milling equipment to achieve the ideal consistency, balancing grits, husks, and flour. This precision allows for optimal sugar extraction in the subsequent mashing stage.
Mashing
The milled barley is transferred to stainless steel mash tuns, where it is combined with pure water from the Yamazaki spring. Multiple washes at increasing temperatures extract the maximum amount of fermentable sugars. The result is a sweet liquid known as wort, which is cooled and transferred to the fermentation tanks.
Fermentation
Yamazaki’s fermentation process is a key differentiator. The distillery employs both wooden and stainless steel washbacks to create unique flavor profiles. Wooden washbacks, made from Japanese oak (mizunara), contribute subtle complexity to the final product. The wort ferments for 72 to 96 hours, producing a wash with around 7-8% alcohol by volume (ABV).
Distillation
Yamazaki is renowned for its diversity in distillation techniques. The distillery operates multiple types of pot stills with varying shapes, sizes, and neck lengths, allowing for a wide range of flavor profiles. This diversity enables Yamazaki to create a complex blend of whiskies from a single distillery. The wash undergoes double distillation, with the heart of the spirit collected at around 70% ABV.
Maturation
Yamazaki whisky is aged in a variety of casks, each contributing its unique character to the final product. The distillery famously uses American oak, Spanish oak, and Japanese oak (mizunara) casks. Mizunara imparts distinctive spicy, incense-like aromas, adding depth and complexity. The casks are stored in Yamazaki’s on-site warehouses, where the humid climate and seasonal temperature variations accelerate the maturation process, resulting in a richly layered whisky.
Blending and Bottling
The blending process at Yamazaki is an art form, guided by the expertise of the House of Suntory’s master blenders. By combining whiskies aged in different casks and distilled using diverse methods, Yamazaki achieves its signature harmony of flavors. Bottling takes place with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every bottle represents the distillery’s commitment to quality.
A Legacy of Excellence
From its debut of the Yamazaki 12-Year-Old in 1984 to its position as a global icon of Japanese whisky, Yamazaki has remained a trailblazer in the industry. Its commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and respect for tradition has earned it numerous accolades, including international awards and a devoted following among whisky enthusiasts worldwide.
Yamazaki whisky is not just a drink — it’s a reflection of Japan’s dedication to artistry and the spirit of perfection. From the pure waters of Kyoto to the distinctive mizunara casks, every element of the process contributes to a whisky that is as refined as it is iconic.
Introducing
The Line Up
Bottle #1
Yamazaki – Distillers Reserve
The Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve is a finely crafted expression that showcases the artistry and tradition of Japan’s oldest malt whisky distillery. This whisky is a blend of malt whiskies aged in a variety of casks, including American oak, Spanish oak, and Japanese Mizunara oak, offering a balance of delicate fruit and subtle oak influence.
Aimed at capturing the essence of the distillery’s unique style, this expression highlights the versatility and complexity of the casks used, providing a smooth and approachable yet layered experience.
| On the Nose: | Light floral aromas with hints of fresh fruit, including green apple and pear, complemented by a soft spiciness and a touch of vanilla. |
| On the Palate: | A blend of smooth malt sweetness, delicate fruit flavors, and a gentle spiciness, with nuances of oak and a touch of citrus zest. |
| The Finish: | Crisp, clean, and slightly dry with a lingering warmth from the oak influence. |
The Stats
Colour: Pale Gold
Bottle Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Age: NAS
Bottle #2
Yamazaki – 12 Year Old
Carefully matured for 12 years at Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery, the Yamazaki 12 Year Old is a cornerstone of Japanese whisky. Crafted in a range of cask types, including American oak, Japanese oak (Mizunara), and sherry butts, this whisky offers a complex profile that has become synonymous with the distillery’s signature style.
The combination of precise craftsmanship and diverse cask aging creates a whisky with delicate fruitiness, floral notes, and a distinct touch of Mizunara spice, establishing it as a benchmark for Japanese single malts.
| On the Nose: | Notes of honey, dried fruit, and hints of peach and pineapple, layered with subtle floral aromas and a touch of oak. |
| On the Palate: | Soft and smooth, with flavors of honeyed sweetness, orange marmalade, and a gentle spiciness from Mizunara oak. |
| The Finish: | Long, elegant, and slightly dry, with lingering oak and a whisper of white pepper. |
The Stats
Colour: Light Gold
Bottle Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Age: 12
Bottle #3
Yamazaki – Kogei Collection
(Spanish Oak – Peated Malt)
Part of the prestigious Kogei Collection, the Yamazaki Spanish Oak Peated Malt brings together the bold influence of peated malt with the intricate character of Spanish oak casks. This limited-edition release highlights the distillery’s innovative approach to aging and blending, using the rare combination of peat and Spanish oak to create a whisky of exceptional depth and complexity.
Matured for several years in carefully selected Spanish oak casks, the whisky balances the smoky, earthy notes from the peat with the rich, fruity characteristics imparted by the oak, resulting in a unique expression from Yamazaki’s renowned craftsmanship.
| On the Nose: | Smoky peat with hints of dried fruit, rich oak, and subtle spice, alongside a touch of honey and caramel sweetness. |
| On the Palate: | A harmonious balance of peat smoke, dark fruits, and complex oak, with layers of spice and a slight nutty undertone. |
| The Finish: | Long and warming, with lingering smoky peat and a soft, sweet oak influence.. |
The Stats:
Colour: Amber
Bottle Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Age: NAS
Bottle #4
Yamazaki – 18 Year Old
(Core Range)
The Yamazaki 18 Year Old is a premium single malt whisky that represents the pinnacle of the distillery’s expertise. Aged for 18 years in a combination of traditional American oak, Japanese Mizunara oak, and European sherry casks, this expression offers a rich, full-bodied profile with layers of depth and complexity. It is a masterful blend of various cask types, allowing for a nuanced expression that balances the distinctive qualities of each.
The result is a whisky that is deeply aromatic, with a smooth mouthfeel and a long, refined finish, making it a standout in the Yamazaki range.
| On the Nose: | Deep, rich aromas of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and spices, with a hint of oak and a touch of smoke. |
| On the Palate: | A full-bodied profile with flavors of ripe fruit, honey, and dark chocolate, complemented by the rich, spicy complexity from the Mizunara and sherry casks. |
| The Finish: | Long and velvety, with a lingering sweetness and a subtle, smoky oak finish. |
The Stats
Colour: Deep Amber
Bottle Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Age: 18 years Old
