Suntory, The Yamazaki, 12-Year-Old, 100th Anniversary, Single Malt Whisky, Japan (43%)
About this SPIRIT
The House of Suntory
Yamazaki was Japan’s first distillery, established in 1923 by Shinjiro Tori. Inspired by traditional Scottish whisky-making, but wanting to create something distinctly Japanese, Tori selected a site on the periphery of Kyoto, Japan’s ancient cultural centre.
Here, a unique, humid climate and high-quality water from Mount Tennozan’s springs come together in the production of very special whiskies: Japan’s oldest, and arguably some of its most well-known. Soft waters and frequent mists create ideal conditions for cask ageing here, as do hot summers and colder winters.
The distillery underwent a significant renovation in the late 1980s, which gave the team the ability to produce a variety of whisky styles, including single malts, for which they have now become famous on the global stage.
Japan
Japan's whisky and sake-making industries have garnered global recognition for their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and respect for tradition. Whisky making in Japan began in the early 20th century, influenced heavily by Scottish techniques. Over time, it has developed a distinctively Japanese style—marked by precision, elegance, and balance. It is often characterised by subtle complexity, with delicate flavours that range from light floral notes to rich, smoky undertones.
One of the most renowned names in Japanese whisky is the House of Suntory, which pioneered the industry. Founded in 1923, Suntory's Yamazaki Distillery was Japan's first malt whisky distillery. Over the years, Suntory has produced a range of award-winning whiskies, including the Yamazaki and Hakushu single malts and the Hibiki blended whisky, all celebrated for their refined taste profiles and craftsmanship.
On the other hand, Japan’s sake industry is deeply rooted in the country’s history, with production techniques refined over centuries. Sake, a traditional rice wine, is brewed using fermented rice, water, yeast, and koji mould. The varying climates and water sources across Japan’s many regions contribute to the unique characteristics of each sake, resulting in a wide array of styles—from crisp, dry sakes to rich, aromatic varieties.
Producers like Dewazakura and Tatenokawa are key names in the sake world, showcasing the diversity of Japan’s sake offerings. The industry’s commitment to quality and innovation has led to a growing global appreciation for Japanese sake, much like the country's whisky. Both spirits have become ambassadors for Japan’s rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship, solidifying Japan’s place as a leader in fine beverages.
When is a wine ready to drink?
We provide drinking windows for all our wines. Alongside the drinking windows there is a bottle icon and a maturity stage. Bear in mind that the best time to drink a wine does also depend on your taste.
Not ready
These wines are very young. Whilst they're likely to have lots of intense flavours, their acidity or tannins may make them feel austere. Although it isn't "wrong" to drink these wines now, you are likely to miss out on a lot of complexity by not waiting for them to mature.
Ready - youthful
These wines are likely to have plenty of fruit flavours still and, for red wines, the tannins may well be quite noticeable. For those who prefer younger, fruitier wines, or if serving alongside a robust meal, these will be very enjoyable. If you choose to hold onto these wines, the fruit flavours will evolve into more savoury complexity.
Ready - at best
These wines are likely to have a beautiful balance of fruit, spice and savoury flavours. The acidity and tannins will have softened somewhat, and the wines will show plenty of complexity. For many, this is seen as the ideal time to drink and enjoy these wines. If you choose to hold onto these wines, they will become more savoury but not necessarily more complex.
Ready - mature
These wines are likely to have plenty of complexity, but the fruit flavours will have been almost completely replaced by savoury and spice notes. These wines may have a beautiful texture at this stage of maturity. There is lots to enjoy when drinking wines at this stage. Most of these wines will hold in this window for a few years, though at the very end of this drinking window, wines start to lose complexity and decline.
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Description
Due to limited stocks, this spirit has been restricted to two bottles per person.
Yamazaki Distillery was founded in 1923 and has become the iconic Japanese single malt whisky. Indeed, placing it in the top echelon of renowned whisky distilleries would be more than fair. This 12-year-old limited edition Anniversary Release bottling continues to set the standard that others judge themselves against.
This is impeccable from every angle, with sweet nuttiness, complex spice, excellent length and a variety of fruit notes, from orchard to stewed and dried apples. As usual for Yamazaki, part of the maturation is in the fabled Mizunara oak, giving heady top notes to the gloriously coherent whole. There should be a bottle of Yamazaki in the cabinet of every whisky lover, why not make it their limited release Anniversary Edition!
Rob Whitehead, Spirits Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd (December 2022)
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