Yamazaki is Suntory's flagship single malt whisky, from Japan's first and oldest malt distillery. This 12 year old first came onto the market in 1984 and was the first seriously marketed Japanese single malt whisky. Since then, it has acquired something of a cult following, and for good reason! A wonderfully elegant and smooth single malt that’s certainly not lacking in flavour.
Good body with plenty of nut oils and zest, a pleasant floral character with a little tropical fruit and a rooty note.
Smooth and soft with good sweetness and winter spice. A lovely citrus note develops with more tropical fruit notes and a little rum.
Medium with fruit and zest.
“Phenomenal! A great whiskey for the price. I like it as much as the Yamazaki 18, but it is quite a bit cheaper. Buy a bottle and you will know why the Japanese whiskeys are doing so well at international awards. Just so I don't sound biased towards Japanese whiskeys, I am drinking a dram of Highland Park 18 right now and enjoying it thoroughly.”
Master of Malt Customer
Amazing dram. People on here marking it down for the price clearly havent followed the demand for this whisky over the past 4 years. Its expensive because its basically discontinued until further notice
Yes, it is a very decent single malt which has something unique to it (I got some pine on the palate, otherwise tasting notes here are in the right ballpark besides rum to my taste). BUT is it worth the price of admission at three digits? NOPE.
After trying all the Whiskies that I had on my list I’ve come to the conclusion that the Yamazaki 12 Year is my absolute favourite (even better than the 18 Year Old Version). With honourable mentions to the Ardbeg 17 and The Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak this is the one I’ll always turn to in future...Sublime.
A very nice whisky, but cannot justify the price. It's incredibly smooth and aboslutely no burn, but for me it's a little heavy on the upfront peaty notes and oaky finish. Honeslty for the $380 it's going for in Australia right now you could buy 3 other extremely nice whisky's and not feel bad about drinking them. I'd honestly take a Chita or Archie Rose over this, or one of the many $100-150 Tasmanian ones over this. I don't regret the purchase, but I won't be buying it again.
Nose: Hand holding into the spice rack and what a carpet ride this is. Palate: Creamy English muffin and jam with the mildest of spice. After: Sundowners. There isn't a single element of this rich English garden finish that isn't memorable. As the sun fades we will remember this in the morning.
