An older Japan-market Yamazaki 12 Year Old, 700mL at 43%, in the yellow box Suntory used before its current packaging. The whisky is Suntory's best-known age-stated single malt.
About This Whisky
Yamazaki's packaging has changed many times since the malt first appeared, and collectors track the versions by label wording, crest and bottle size. The 700mL format with a "single malt" label marks the later generations, after the word "pure malt" was dropped in the mid-2000s. The profile is classic Yamazaki: tropical fruit and citrus up front, then coconut and a warm, spiced finish.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Peach, pineapple and grapefruit, with clove, candied orange and vanilla.
- Palate: Coconut, cranberry and butter over sweet malt.
- Finish: Long, with sweet ginger and cinnamon.
Serving & Food
Chill a highball glass, add clear ice, a measure of whisky and three measures of cold soda, then stir once. Neat, it goes with sushi, grilled chicken thighs or mango.
How to Enjoy
Collectors of Yamazaki packaging and drinkers wanting an older Japan-market bottle to compare with today's release.
Product Details
Producer: Suntory
Distillery: Yamazaki
Country: Japan
Region: Osaka
Category: Japanese single malt whisky
Age: 12 years
Maturation: American, Spanish and Japanese oak casks
Market: Japan
Presentation: Older yellow box
ABV: 43%
Proof: 86
Volume: 700mL
About the Distillery
Suntory launched Yamazaki Pure Malt Whisky in 1984. A 12-year age statement appeared around 1986.
Over the following decades the bottle moved from 760mL to 750mL and then 700mL, and the label switched from "pure malt" to "single malt". Collectors use these changes to date bottles.