A limited Yamazaki single malt released in 2023 for the centenary of Suntory whisky. Every malt in it was aged at least 18 years, solely in mizunara casks, and it is bottled at 48%.
About This Whisky
Suntory calls mizunara the signature "enhancer" of Yamazaki, and this edition puts that wood on its own. The official note gives dark cherry and ripe peach with cinnamon and nutmeg, a palate of spiced orangette over Japanese incense, and a long finish of clove, sandalwood and dried coconut. Jonny McCormick of Whisky Advocate scored it 95, finding yellow plum, pear and cherry over sandalwood and manuka honey. Suntory has since added a Yamazaki 18 Mizunara to its core range.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Dark cherry and ripe peach, with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Palate: Subtly spiced orangette with undertones of Japanese incense.
- Finish: Long and lingering, with clove, sandalwood and dried coconut.
Serving & Food
Use a small, narrow glass to hold the incense aromas. Sip it neat, then add a drop of soft water to open the sandalwood. Serve with Kyoto wagashi, unagi or aged Parmesan.
How to Enjoy
Suntory collectors marking the centenary, and anyone wanting to taste mature mizunara on its own.
Product Details
Producer: Suntory
Distillery: Yamazaki
Country: Japan
Region: Osaka
Category: Japanese single malt whisky
Age: 18 years minimum
Cask: Mizunara (Japanese oak) only
Released: 2023, Suntory whisky 100th anniversary
ABV: 48%
Proof: 96
Volume: 700mL
About the Distillery
Shinji Fukuyo is Suntory's fifth chief blender and the person who shapes releases like this one. He has said that after 12 years or more in mizunara, the aroma takes on "a gem-like brilliance".
Suntory counts its whisky centenary from 1923, when work began on Yamazaki. For the anniversary it dressed several of its aged whiskies, including Hakushu 18, in special 100th-anniversary labels.