Yamazaki 12 Year Review

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Bottle Basics

Name: The Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky Aged 12 Years
Distillery: Yamazaki
Proof: 86
ABV: 43%
Mash Bill: 100% malted barley
Age: 12 years
Size: 700ml
MSRP: ￥16,500 JPY (roughly $110 USD as of August 2024)

Additional Details

Distiller Notes:

The Yamazaki Whisky is Suntory’s flagship single malt whisky, from Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery. With a range of options from Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve to 12, 18, and 25 years old, all of these prized whiskies contain carefully blended components aged in American, Spanish, and Japanese Mizunara oak.

Yamazaki was born from the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt whisky. Multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas, Yamazaki whiskies are complex and deep. Made at Yamazaki Distillery, the birthplace of Japanese whisky, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world.

Official Website

Introduction

When it comes to reminiscing about my whiskey journey, the Yamazaki 12 Year holds a place of honor. You see, this isn’t just another bottle in my collection; it’s the very first whiskey bottle I ever purchased for myself, marking the beginning of an exciting exploration into the mesmerizing world of spirits.

This specific bottle of Yamazaki 12 Year that sits on my shelf isn’t just my first foray into whiskey; it’s also the only one I’ve managed to acquire (for the price I got it for at the time). The tale of its acquisition isn’t anything out of a movie. In fact, it’s as simple as spotting it in the glass case section of my local grocery store’s liquor aisle, priced at a humble 7500yen, back in the spring of 2019. Little did I anticipate it’d be my final sighting at such a rate.

What drew me to this bottle? Perhaps it was a vague awareness that the Yamazaki and Hibiki brands were garnering attention and sought-after by many enthusiasts. Or, perhaps it was the imminent visit of a dear friend and his wife – a true whiskey/bourbon aficionado – from the US. Seizing the Yamazaki 12 was also about offering a unique Japanese treat during his stay.

In any case, the Yamazaki 12 Year was, and remains, more than just a whiskey to me. It’s a memory, a symbol of the start of a passionate pursuit, and a reminder of good times shared with friends.

From the moment I laid my hands on the Yamazaki 12 Year, I recognized its brilliance. Without a shadow of doubt, it’s one of the most exceptional pours I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing.

As the days turned to weeks and months, my knowledge and enthusiasm for whiskey grew exponentially. I soon became became acutely aware of the surging global demand for Japanese whisky. Right around when I got my hands on this bottle, the Japanese whiskey scene was grappling with a shortage. This only heightened the sentiment I held for my precious bottle, urging me to treasure it even more. The thought of its absence became increasingly daunting, and I vowed to reserve it for truly exceptional moments. And thus began my slow, deliberate journey with the Yamazaki 12, pouring sparingly, reveling in its elegance.

While iconic brands from Suntory (like Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki) and Nikka (Yoichi, Miyagikyo, Taketsuru) turned scarce, vanishing and inflating in value, my gaze shifted towards the vast world of bourbon whiskey – a realm more accessible and yet unchartered for me. But that’s a tale for another time.

Fast forward to now, and it’s been an incredible four and a half years since I purchased my bottle of Yamazaki 12. And just a few days ago, I took my last pour. You might wonder, why now? Well, I had made a pact with myself, one that dictated that this bottle would only see the light of day during pivotal moments. And such a moment presented itself when my beloved wife, having recently transitioned into the realm of life coaching, secured her very first client. The cherry on top? This celebration coincided with the 12th anniversary of my arrival in Japan.

Parting with this bottle wasn’t easy, but the occasion merited it. It became a drink to commemorate transitions and milestones. And of course, it’d be remiss of me to bid it farewell without a fitting review.

Appearance

In the glass, Yamazaki 12 paints an inviting picture with a captivating golden hue. With swirling, its moderate viscosity reveals itself, as the whisky clings to the glass before slowly trailing down.

Nose

Upon first encounter, the Yamazaki 12 Year greets me with a harmonious medley of fruits. Its aroma exudes a pronounced sweetness, prominent with the scents of green muscat. Diving in a little deeper, I get traces of ripe plums and sun-kissed apricots. This immediate fruity onslaught is beautifully complemented by a gentle undertone of floral elegance, almost evoking the sensations of a soothing herbal tea. The bouquet is rounded off by tropical undertones.

Palate

Upon first sip, the Yamazaki 12 Year washes over the palate with a refreshingly crisp and tangy demeanor. The sensation is akin to biting into a piece of dried fruit, the kind that carries a concentrated sweetness, soon followed by the sensation of a freshly cut pear—juicy, succulent, and ever-so-inviting. As the flavors meld and mature, there’s a gentle nudge from a citrus spice, playfully teasing the back of the palate. This hint of zest adds a wonderful dimension, ensuring the experience remains intriguing. All the while, the whiskey possesses a light and delicate mouthfeel.

Finish

Yamazaki 12 gradually winds down with a finish that spans from short to medium in its lasting impression. The initial fade carries a whisper of smokiness, a gentle reminder of its aging process, perhaps. This is seamlessly blended with the earthy tones of musky berries. As it continues, a sweet and fruity character emerges, punctuated by a minty zest that rejuvenates the palate. Finally, the warmth of apple spice lingers, providing a cozy and memorable conclusion to this exceptional Japanese pour.

Conclusion

Time has an intriguing way of shaping our experiences, and with Yamazaki 12, it was no exception. The last time I indulged in this Japanese delight was on New Year’s Eve of 2021, more than a year and a half ago. Since then, my whiskey journey took a detour into the world of bourbon, immersing me in its robust and forward flavors. Coming back to Yamazaki 12 was like revisiting an old friend with new eyes, noticing subtleties and nuances that had gone previously unappreciated.

The intricate flavors of the Yamazaki 12 don’t demand your attention with aggressive boldness, like some bourbons I’ve been savoring lately. Instead, they present a graceful dance of nuanced notes, each making a statement, then stepping aside to let the next shine. It’s a blend of harmonious transitions that feels meticulously crafted.

This is the essence of Japanese whisky. And among them, the Yamazaki 12 is truly stellar.

Diving so intensely into the world of bourbon had somewhat veiled my recollection of what Japanese whisky was like. With my more refined and experienced palate today, I can’t help but wish I possessed this level of discernment when I first embarked on my journey with this bottle.

In a bittersweet twist, my final sips of this bottle coincided with a special personal occasion. The convergence of the last few precious drops and the significance of the moment only heightened my appreciation. Every lingering sip was a tribute to the journey behind it and the special moments it has marked.

It’s interesting how our relationships with things evolve over time. For me, the Yamazaki 12 holds a special place, serving as my gateway into the enchanting world of Japanese whisky and whiskies at large. That sentimental value alone might paint my views with a touch of bias, but if ever asked, I’d implore any whisky enthusiast to at least try a glass. Its finesse, its symphony of flavors – it’s an experience unto itself.

However, securing your own bottle is an entirely different ball game.

Let’s talk numbers. Today’s market price for a bottle hovers around ￥19,000 JPY (roughly $129 USD). Yet, in stores, if you’re fortunate enough to spot one, the price tag could make you do a double-take, often being significantly marked up.

Which brings us to the age-old problem of availability. Locating a bottle, even in its homeland of Japan, is akin to a scavenger hunt. In recent memory, I’ve chanced upon it a handful of times, but always with a price so inflated it might as well be an exhibit piece, not a sale item.

Now, hypothetically speaking, if I were to find it at its standard market price, would I take the plunge and buy it again?

Currently, bourbon is where my heart is at. The fiery passion I hold for bourbon is unmatched by my appreciation for Japanese whiskies. If I were as enamored with the latter, I might be tempted to make the purchase. But as it stands, when I contemplate the exquisite bourbons I could obtain for the same price – some of which I wouldn’t think twice about acquiring – the prospects of reinvesting in a Yamazaki 12 soon seem slim.

That said, my respect and love for Yamazaki 12 remain unwavering. To stress this point, it’s a sublime pour and one I believe every whiskey enthusiast should experience at least once.

Additional Images

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