Yamazaki 12 Year Old Japanese Whisky
Yamazaki 12 Year Old Japanese Whisky is the flagship 43% ABV (86 proof) single malt from Japan's first and oldest malt whisky distillery — founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii on the outskirts of Kyoto, at the confluence of the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers. Aged a minimum of 12 years in a marriage of American, Spanish, and Japanese Mizunara oak, it was named Supreme Champion Spirit at the International Spirits Challenge 2024 — a first for the brand. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 43% (86 proof)
- Age: 12 years (minimum 12 years in cask)
- Size: 750mL (US)
- Casks: American oak + Spanish oak + Japanese Mizunara oak
- Distillery: Yamazaki, Kyoto outskirts — "mountain cape"; soft water, misty climate
- Award: Supreme Champion Spirit — International Spirits Challenge 2024
The Whisky That Built Japanese Whisky
"Yamazaki" means "mountain cape," and the distillery's location was no accident — Torii chose the misty, soft-water valley where three rivers meet to found Japanese whisky in 1923. The 12-year-old is its thesis statement: carefully blended components from three oak traditions — the vanilla of American white oak, the dried fruit of Spanish oak, the incense-and-spice signature of Japanese Mizunara — creating what Suntory calls "a delicate and elegant taste that never grows tiresome." Explore more Japanese whisky and everything from Yamazaki.
Tasting Notes
Suntory's official notes: "an aroma of ripened fruit and sweet vanilla derived from Yamazaki Distillery's white oak cask, with hidden flavors of Spanish oak and Japanese Mizunara oak adding a buttery deep sweetness to the palate leading to a long finish with a sense of sweet ginger and cinnamon." Brand-copy summaries add peach, candied orange, and Mizunara oak on the nose.
How to Enjoy
Neat is the classic pour — the Mizunara spice unfolds with a few minutes in the glass. In Japan it's often taken mizuwari-style (whisky and chilled water, about 2:1); the 43% ABV keeps the Mizunara character intact through dilution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Yamazaki 12?
Minimum 12 years in cask — it's an age-stated single malt.
What is Mizunara oak?
A Japanese oak species prized for adding incense, sandalwood, and spice notes — one of three oak types in this whisky alongside American and Spanish oak.
Who founded the Yamazaki distillery?
Shinjiro Torii, in 1923 — it's Japan's first and oldest malt whisky distillery.
What awards has it won?
Supreme Champion Spirit at the International Spirits Challenge 2024 — the first time the brand has taken that title.
San Diego whisky lovers can order Yamazaki 12 Year Old online at Del Mesa Liquor — Japan's flagship single malt, in 750mL.
