Yamato Original Edition Japanese Whisky
Yamato Original Edition Japanese Whisky is an 80-proof (40% ABV) 750mL blend of 3-to-8-year-old whiskies matured in Mizunara — Japanese oak — barrels, sourced from excess barrels at one of the largest distilleries in Japan's Yamanashi Prefecture near Mt. Fuji. The whisky combines malted Scotch whisky with distillate from select grain grown in Yamanashi; it is not chill filtered, and the Japanese characters on the label translate to "great harmony." It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- Size: 750mL
- Aging: 3-8 years in Mizunara (Japanese oak) barrels
- Origin: Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan (distillery undisclosed by the brand)
- Production: blend of malted Scotch whisky + Yamanashi-grown grain distillate; non chill-filtered
Great Harmony in Mizunara Oak
Yamato — Japanese for "great harmony" — was created by Aiko Importers around a simple idea: take quality whiskies aging in one of Japan's biggest distilleries and give them the full Mizunara treatment. Mizunara is notoriously porous and expensive, and it stamps the whisky with unmistakable character: sandalwood-ish spice, incense, and a sweet-savory depth no other oak delivers. Shop the Yamato collection and explore more Japanese whisky and Scotch whisky at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
A distinct licorice and bourbon-cask nose opens into toasted honeycomb and toffee. The palate is a rich barley-oak sweetness with light anise, molasses, vanilla, and nougat, hazelnuts showing late; the finish is round vanilla and soft oak with toffee and a touch of mid-palate dryness.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a Glencairn to catch the Mizunara aromatics, or with a single large cube — the whisky opens beautifully with a little dilution. It is also a superb base for a Japanese-style highball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mizunara oak?
Mizunara is Japanese oak, rare and costly, that gives whisky distinctive notes of sandalwood spice, incense, and coconut-sweet depth after long maturation.
Is Yamato a single malt?
No — Original Edition is a blended whisky combining malted Scotch whisky with grain distillate from Yamanashi Prefecture.
Why doesn't the label name a distillery?
Yamato sources from excess barrels at a large Yamanashi distillery that does not publicly attach its name to the brand — a common arrangement in Japanese whisky.
Harmony in a bottle — order Yamato Original Edition Japanese Whisky online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.