Yamazaki Golden Promise Japanese Whisky

Yamazaki Golden Promise Japanese Whisky is a 48% ABV, 700mL single malt from the Yamazaki Distillery — the 2024 Tsukuriwake Selection edition, distilled in 2009 and matured about 15 years in American oak casks. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

This release spotlights one ingredient: heritage Golden Promise barley — the Scottish grain that defined the character of iconic Scotch whiskies in the 1960s and '70s, and the same malt that stabilizes Yamazaki's flagships like the 12 Year Old alongside Mizunara and Spanish-oak casks. "Tsukuriwake" is the art of diversity in whisky-making, and each edition of the limited 2024 series (Golden Promise, Islay Peated Malt, 18 Year Old Mizunara, and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt) isolates a single element of Yamazaki's craft. Released in June 2024 during Suntory's centenary era, it is extremely limited and in high collector demand.

Tasting profile: barley-gold color; sweet malt, vanilla, and honey on the nose; rich and textured on the palate with orange marmalade, vanilla pudding, and toasted malt; a sweet, fruity, citrus-long finish. Browse the Yamazaki brand collection, more whisky, and rare top-shelf bottles at Del Mesa Liquor.

Serving note: neat or with a few drops of still water; pairs with roast chicken, grilled lobster, lemon tart, smoked salmon, and aged Gouda.

What is Golden Promise barley? A heritage Scottish barley variety celebrated for its role in iconic 1960s–70s Scotch whiskies.

What is the Tsukuriwake Series? Limited-edition Yamazaki and Hakushu releases that each spotlight one ingredient or process — barley variety, peat level, or cask type.

When was it distilled? 2009, aged in American oak casks — about 15 years of maturation. It carries no age statement.

Is it collectible? Yes — the extremely limited 2024 release commands strong collector demand (the full four-bottle set priced around £2,600 in the UK at release).