Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky is the bottle that put Japanese whisky on the map: an 18-year-old single malt from Yamazaki Distillery — Japan's oldest malt distillery, founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii near Osaka/Kyoto — first released in 1992, built on roughly 80% Spanish sherry butts with the balance in American oak and Japanese Mizunara oak — bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) in this 750mL US bottle — and it is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
Made from 100% malted barley in copper pot stills, the 18 is a study in wood: heavy Oloroso sherry depth, American oak sweetness, and the unmistakable sandalwood-and-incense signature of Mizunara — the rare Japanese oak that defines Yamazaki's house style.
Tasting notes: nose of truffles, thick bitter marmalade, resin, potpourri, heavy Oloroso sherry, sandalwood and incense; palate of blackberry, strawberry jam, dark chocolate, honey, toffee apples, plum wine, black pepper, a touch of rancio, tobacco; a long, fruity, marmalade-led finish with sweet ginger and spice.
Why buy the 18? Because it remains the benchmark — Best Japanese Single Malt at the 2015 World Whiskies Awards, Double Gold at the 2005 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, ISC Best in Class and Supreme Champion — and allocations only tighten. Explore the whisky collection, the Yamazaki brand collection, and all spirits.
Serving note: neat, full stop — an 18-year-old Yamazaki earns the whole glass. A drop of water opens the marmalade.
What is the ABV? 43% ABV (86 proof), 750mL (US bottle; UK/Japan markets use 700mL).
What casks were used? Approximately 80% Spanish sherry butts, the rest American oak and Japanese Mizunara oak.
Has it won awards? Yes — Best Japanese Single Malt (2015 World Whiskies Awards), Double Gold (2005 SFWSC), ISC Best in Class and Supreme Champion.
Where is it made? Yamazaki Distillery, between Osaka and Kyoto — Japan's oldest malt whisky distillery, founded 1923.