Yamazaki: The Pioneer of Japanese Single Malt

Founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, Yamazaki is Japan’s very first whisky distillery. Nestled near Kyoto where the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers meet, it benefits from a unique microclimate and ideal humidity for whisky maturation. This Japanese terroir, paired with craftsmanship rooted in the Scottish tradition, gives birth to elegant, layered single malts of remarkable depth.

For nearly a century, Yamazaki has built a global reputation for excellence. Each bottle is a reflection of artisanal precision, a harmony of innovation and Japanese heritage. Now part of the renowned Suntory group, Yamazaki stands as a benchmark of quality in Japanese whisky, with a cult following among collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Signature Yamazaki Expressions

Yamazaki’s single malts are aged in a range of carefully selected casks — from American oak to Spanish sherry and the rare Mizunara oak — each contributing unique layers of flavor. Whether you’re just discovering Japanese whisky or seeking something extraordinary, Yamazaki offers a refined sensory journey.

Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve

The ideal introduction to Yamazaki’s house style. This no-age-statement whisky is aged in American oak, sherry casks, and Japanese Mizunara oak, delivering white peach, cherry, vanilla, and a subtle note of incense. Light, delicate, and unmistakably Japanese.

Yamazaki 12 Year Old

A global icon. Aged primarily in sherry and American oak, this balanced single malt reveals notes of honey, candied orange, ginger, toasted oak, and gentle spice. Complex yet approachable, it’s a perfect entry point into the world of premium Japanese whisky.

Yamazaki 18 Year Old

An award-winning expression aged in sherry, American oak, and Mizunara casks. Deep and opulent, with aromas of dark chocolate, plum, roasted coffee, old leather, and exotic spices. Rich, velvety, and long on the finish — a true collector’s gem.

Yamazaki 25 Year Old

An ultra-rare, prestigious single malt aged exclusively in Spanish sherry casks. Unfolds with intense layers of dried black fruits, cocoa, precious woods, balsamic notes, and tobacco. This is not just a whisky — it’s liquid heritage, crafted for only the most discerning palates.

Why Choose Yamazaki Whisky?

The Birthplace of Japanese Whisky

Since 1923, Yamazaki has blended Scottish distilling methods with Japanese sensibility, creating a style that’s delicate, refined, and profoundly original. Every bottle reflects a century of dedication to harmony and precision.

A Mastery of Cask Selection

Yamazaki stands apart through its use of diverse, high-quality casks — including the rare Japanese Mizunara oak, known for notes of sandalwood, temple incense, and eastern spices. These are layered with flavors from sherry and bourbon barrels to create whiskies of exceptional depth and complexity.

Global Acclaim & Awards

Yamazaki 18 and 25 Year Old have earned top honors at global competitions, frequently named among the world’s best whiskies by experts such as Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. These accolades have elevated Yamazaki to iconic status on the global stage.

A Refined Tasting Experience

Each Yamazaki whisky is best enjoyed neat, slightly chilled, or in a tulip glass to capture its full aromatic profile. Its delicate balance of power, finesse, and complexity makes it ideal for contemplative sipping, special occasions, or prestige gifting.

Yamazaki: A Jewel of Japanese Whisky

To choose Yamazaki is to embrace a whisky born from a century of craftsmanship, where every drop tells a story of patience, artistry, and deep cultural respect. Between ancestral tradition and artisanal innovation, Yamazaki offers a tasting experience unlike any other.

Whether you’re exploring the Distiller’s Reserve or chasing the rare 25 Year Old, each expression is a masterclass in Japanese whisky-making — refined, expressive, and unmistakably Yamazaki.