Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whiskey
Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whiskey
Yamazaki 12 Year Single Malt is the flagship age-statement expression from the Yamazaki distillery, Japan's first commercial whisky distillery, opened in 1923 by Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii in the Vale of Yamazaki outside Kyoto. Aged for twelve years in a combination of American, Spanish, and Japanese Mizunara oak, this whisky is widely credited with introducing the world to the depth and subtlety of Japanese single malt—and remains one of the category's most sought-after bottles.
The nose is complex and distinctive: ripe peach, dried persimmon, soft vanilla, coconut, and a signature Mizunara note of sandalwood and incense that no other oak in the world delivers. The palate is silky and layered—honeyed stone fruit, custard, toasted almond, gentle spice, and a whisper of sweet cedar from the Mizunara. The finish is long, warm, and gracefully evolving, with returning fruit and a lingering wisp of temple-wood.
Serve Yamazaki 12 neat in a Glencairn or over a single large ice cube. A landmark bottle for any Japanese whisky collection and an exceptional gift for whisky enthusiasts.
Limited allocation at Gifted Pour—ships with signature required.
Tasting Notes
Shipping
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Manufacturing
Our products are manufactured both locally and globally. We carefully select our manufacturing partners to ensure our products are high quality and a fair value.
Why Gifted Pour recommends it
Twelve years in American, Spanish, and Japanese Mizunara oak give this single malt from Yamazaki, Japan's first commercial whisky distillery, a character that feels quietly special in the glass. Expect ripe peach, pineapple, and candied orange on the nose, with vanilla and the incense-and-sandalwood note Mizunara is known for. The palate is silky and buttery, with coconut, honeyed stone fruit, and gentle spice, before a long finish of sweet ginger and cinnamon. It suits the whisky enthusiast building a Japanese collection, the colleague celebrating a promotion, or a host who appreciates a refined dinner pour. Its balanced, fruity sweetness appeals to newcomers and seasoned drinkers alike. That makes it a safe yet thoughtful choice when you are not sure how deep someone's whisky knowledge runs. The recipient can sip it neat in a Glencairn, add a few drops of water to lift the fruit, or stretch it into a crisp highball with soda and lemon, so the bottle rewards many different evenings.
Pairs well with
- Sushi and sashimi — The whisky's fresh, fruity character of peach and citrus complements the clean, delicate flavors of raw fish.
- Grilled seafood — Light char on seafood meets the whisky's gentle clove and cinnamon spice while its stone fruit keeps the pairing bright.
- Toasting a work promotion — A long, warm finish of sweet ginger and cinnamon makes it a pour worth lingering over when marking a career milestone.
Questions about this bottle
What does Yamazaki 12 taste like?
The nose shows peach, pineapple, grapefruit, clove, and candied orange, with vanilla and a Mizunara note of sandalwood and incense. The palate is smooth and buttery, with coconut, cranberry, honeyed stone fruit, and gentle spice. The finish is long, with sweet ginger, cinnamon, and a touch of fruity zest.
What kind of oak is it aged in?
It is aged for twelve years in a combination of American, Spanish, and Japanese Mizunara oak. The Mizunara contributes the distinctive sandalwood, incense, and sweet cedar notes found on the nose and palate.
Who makes it, and where?
It is made at the Yamazaki Distillery, part of Suntory, in the Vale of Yamazaki outside Kyoto. The distillery was opened in 1923 by Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii, and this 12 Year Old is its flagship age-statement single malt, distilled from malted barley.
Is it a good gift for someone new to whisky?
Yes. Its well-balanced fruity sweetness and smooth, buttery texture appeal to both novice and experienced whisky drinkers. The 750 ml bottle also works neat, with a drop of water, on the rocks, or in a highball, so the recipient can enjoy it however they prefer.
