Description
Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
In 1923, Torri, who had been fascinated by whisky his entire life, decided to expand his business and began construction of the Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s first-ever whisky distillery.Although inspired by traditional Scottish distilleries, Torii envisioned a uniquely Japanese approach to whisky and chose a location for his distillery that offered a climate and terrain that were completely different from those of Scotland.Nestled on the periphery of Kyoto, Yamazaki Distillery is situated at the confluence of three rivers — the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu — that provide the warm, damp environment ideal for the production and maturation of whisky.
Suntory Yamazaki 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky is made from 100% malted barley, which is milled and mashed before being fermented with water sourced from the foothills of Mount Tenno. The water is said to be have been preferred by Sen No Rikyu, Japan’s legendary tea master.
After the barley has been fermented, the wash is distilled through Suntory’s copper-pot stills — the first of their kind outside of Scotland — before the whisky is matured in casks made of three different types of wood: American, Spanish, and Japanese oak (the Japanese oak adds an Asian twist to the whisky).
“This is all done by hand — the traditional way,” says Osamu Abe, the manager of Yamazaki distillery, referring to the cooperage taking place at the distillery. “This is called yagura — craftsmanship. You must watch and listen to how they’re made.
In Japan, we say “use all 5 senses.’ Of course, we learn from others, but our own senses are key.” After aging for 12 years in Japan’s unique environment — the constant changes in temperature and humidity force the wood and whisky to interact with each other — the whisky is brought to proof before being bottled.
Suntory Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky has a golden honey color, along with a floral aroma that is accented by touches of spice and fruit. Rich and lush, the whisky has notes of dried stone fruits, toffee, buttered toast, and pepper on the palate, which lead to a long and profound finish.
Yamazaki 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky earned the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2009 and 2013 and earned a score of 92 points from the Beverage Testing Institute.
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INFORMATION
| PROOF | 86 (43% ABV) |
|---|---|
| DISTILLER/BOTTLER NAME | Suntory-Yamazaki Distillery |
| SIZE | 750mL |
TASTING NOTES
Discover Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky, a celebrated 12-year expression from the House of Suntory. Crafted at Japan’s historic Yamazaki Distillery, this refined whisky combines components matured in American oak, Spanish oak, and Japanese Mizunara oak. Expect aromas of peach, pineapple, grapefruit, candied orange, vanilla, and clove, followed by coconut and cranberry on the palate and a long finish of sweet ginger and cinnamon.
Yamazaki 12 – An Iconic Japanese Single Malt
Yamazaki 12 represents more than a century of Japanese whisky craftsmanship. The Yamazaki Distillery was established in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii and is recognized by Suntory as Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery.
The 12-year expression showcases the refined and complex style for which Yamazaki has become internationally recognized. Its character comes from carefully selected whisky components matured in different types of oak, including American, Spanish, and Japanese Mizunara oak.
This combination introduces layers of fruit, sweetness, spice, and distinctive wood influence while maintaining the elegant balance associated with Japanese whisky.
For enthusiasts searching for Yamazaki 12 or comparing the Yamazaki 12 price, the expression’s age statement, heritage, international reputation, and distinctive maturation profile all contribute to its premium positioning.
Aroma, Palate, and Mizunara Oak Character
Yamazaki 12 has a pure gold appearance and an expressive aroma combining peach, pineapple, grapefruit, clove, candied orange, vanilla, and Mizunara oak.
On the palate, Suntory highlights coconut, cranberry, and butter, creating a rich but carefully balanced drinking experience. The finish develops into sweet ginger and cinnamon and remains pleasantly long.
Mizunara is particularly significant to the identity of Japanese whisky. Together with American and Spanish oak components, it contributes another layer to the complexity of Yamazaki 12.
The result is a mature single malt that can appeal to experienced whisky drinkers while remaining refined enough for those beginning to explore premium Japanese whisky.
Award-Winning Japanese Whisky Heritage
The international reputation of Yamazaki 12 Year Old has been reinforced by major spirits awards. In 2024, Suntory announced that Yamazaki 12 had been named Supreme Champion Spirit at the International Spirits Challenge, selected as the most outstanding product among the competition’s Trophy winners.
The official House of Suntory product page also lists Gold Medals at the International Spirits Challenge in 2025 and 2026.
Beyond awards, Yamazaki 12 remains closely connected with the development of Japanese whisky itself. Its combination of 12-year maturation, multiple oak types, fruit-driven character, and Japanese craftsmanship makes it a compelling bottle for whisky enthusiasts and collectors.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Yamazaki 12 Year Old |
| Whisky Type | Single Malt Japanese Whisky |
| Brand | Yamazaki |
| Producer | Suntory |
| Distillery | Yamazaki Distillery |
| Country | Japan |
| Age Statement | 12 Years |
| Oak Types | American, Spanish & Japanese Mizunara |
| Color | Pure Gold |
| Nose | Peach, Pineapple, Grapefruit, Clove, Candied Orange, Vanilla |
| Palate | Coconut, Cranberry, Butter |
| Finish | Sweet Ginger, Cinnamon, Long Finish |
| Japanese Whisky Standard | JSLMA Labeling Standards |
The House of Suntory confirms that the expression meets the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association standards for labeling Japanese whisky.
A Premium Choice for Whisky Enthusiasts
Yamazaki 12 Year Old is well suited to Japanese whisky enthusiasts, collectors, gift buyers, and drinkers looking for a mature single malt with a distinctive combination of fruit and oak.
Its 12-year age statement provides mature character without overwhelming its brighter fruit notes. Meanwhile, the use of Mizunara, Spanish, and American oak gives the whisky additional aromatic and flavor complexity.
For shoppers researching Yamazaki 12 price, availability and retail pricing can vary considerably. The bottle’s established reputation, age statement, awards, and demand have made it one of the most recognizable premium Japanese single malts.
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Related Release
Discover Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky for another mature expression from the historic Yamazaki Distillery.
Learn More
Discover the heritage, craftsmanship, awards, and official tasting profile of Yamazaki 12 Years Old from the House of Suntory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yamazaki 12?
Yamazaki 12 is a 12-year-old Japanese single malt whisky produced by Suntory at the Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery.
How long is Yamazaki 12 aged?
As its name indicates, Yamazaki 12 Year Old carries a 12-year age statement.
What does Yamazaki 12 taste like?
Yamazaki 12 features peach, pineapple, grapefruit, vanilla, Mizunara oak, coconut, cranberry, sweet ginger, and cinnamon, with a long finish.
What type of oak is used for Yamazaki 12?
The expression contains carefully blended components aged in American, Spanish, and Japanese Mizunara oak.
Why does the Yamazaki 12 price vary?
The Yamazaki 12 price can vary depending on retailer, location, availability, taxes, and market demand. Buyers should check the current product listing for the applicable selling price.
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