Suntory Yamazaki 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt

The Yamazaki 12 Year Old is a Japanese single malt whisky distilled at the first ever Japanese whisky distillery established by Kotobukiya Group, later renamed as Suntory.

Released in 1984 for the first time, Yamazaki 12 Year Old is the flagship single malt whisky from Suntory, and has been a highly successful release which Suntory claims to be the ‘Number One’ whisky in Japan.

History

The Yamazaki Distillery was first established in the year 1924 in Shimamoto, Osaka. It was the first commercial whisky distillery in Japan, and was the joint effort of two of the greatest men in the Japanese whisky industry, Shinjiro Torii and Masataka Taketsuru.

While Torii was the founding father of what would go on to become Suntory, Masataka, fondly remembered as ‘the Father of Japanese Whisky’, helped build the Yamazaki Distillery and also managed it for a decade, would go on to establish the Nikka Whisky brand. Together, Suntory and Nikka dominate whatever exists of Japan’s liquor market.

The Yamazaki 12 Year Old was first released in 1984, and has since then developed a strong identity among whisky lovers who prefer its rich flavours and smooth finish.

Making Process

Distilled from a mash bill that is 100% malted Barley, matured in a variety of Oak barrels at the Yamazaki Distillery itself.

Ex-Bourbon, Mizunara, Sherry and fresh American Oak barrels are used to mature the Yamazaki 12 Year Old.

Alcohol Percentage

The Yamazaki 12 Year Old carries an alcohol strength of 43% ABV, slightly higher than the standard permissible limit for whiskies in many countries worldwide.

Awards

The Yamazaki 12 Year Old has not won any major awards or medals at international whisky tasting competitions.