An exquisite blend of premium single malts characterized by a deep amber color unique to Mizunara casks, with aromas reminiscent of sandalwood and well-ripened fruit. What do you need to consider about yamazaki whiskey.
Shinjiro Torii, the founder of Suntory, had the vision to craft whisky tailored to Japan’s climate and terrain, which became a reality when he constructed the Yamazaki distillery – Japan’s inaugural whisky distillery – in 1924.
History
Shinjiro Torii established Japan’s inaugural whisky distillery in 1923 in Yamazaki Valley, near where Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers converge – an area famed for its natural waters and misty climate. He understood that good whisky required ideal conditions; he aimed to craft something genuinely Japanese.
He was convinced that if he could produce the ideal whisky, it would be appreciated worldwide. After several years of effort and much planning, Yamazaki eventually met his goal in 1984 by releasing their inaugural single malt whisky into the market; although well received then, more blended varieties were sought-after by consumers.
However, Yamazaki continued to flourish. Its success was furthered by numerous significant awards, most notably being named Whisky of the Year by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2015. Subsequently, sales and interest in Yamazaki saw dramatic surges.
Today, Yamazaki whisky is owned by Suntory, who also operates Yoichi and Hakushu distilleries. Although Suntory boasts an array of single malts and blends from all their brands, Yamazaki remains a benchmark whisky, embodying both style and flavor profiles that have come to define Japanese whisky culture.
To maintain its high standards for whisky, the company constantly expands and renovates its facilities to meet customer demand. Their distillery houses over a dozen pot stills of various shapes and sizes, providing ample blenders to experiment and achieve desired outcomes.
Visitors to the distillery can arrange visits in advance with reservations, allowing them to see and learn more about its production process during a guided tour for only 1,000 Yen per person, including whisky tasting. Tours run several times every day; it is recommended that guests arrive 15 minutes beforehand. Visitors are also free to explore the museum before or after their time.
Casks
Shinjiro Torii founded Japan’s first malt whisky distillery, Yamazaki, at the foot of Mt Tennozan in 1923 and knew that good water and climate were essential in producing quality whisky. Therefore, he selected Yamazaki Valley, where the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers merge into the Yodo River – creating an ideal location for his distillery.
Keizo Saji (pronounced Mr. Sag-E), Torii’s son, continued expanding Suntory by initiating changes like releasing single malt whiskies instead of solely blending them for use in Suntory beverages; their popularity led directly to increased sales worldwide of Suntory’s whisky sales.
Suntory’s Yamazaki single malt whisky is aged in various casks. The Yamazaki Sherry Cask, which Jim Murray recently recognized as “World Whisky of the Year,” makes it highly sought-after. This expression includes 8-20 year-old whisky matured in Bordeaux wine, sherry, and mizunara oak casks.
Oak is what gives Yamazaki whisky its distinct character and aroma. Alongside Sherry Cask, other maturation processes for these whiskies include Bourbon and Port Wine casks – these bottles can reach an ABV of 57%!
Japanese whiskey distilling techniques have earned it a respected place on the global whiskey market, producing a dry yet sophisticated spirit praised by whisky connoisseurs worldwide.
No matter your taste in whiskey, Yamazaki Distillery is worth visiting if only to see their barrel house filled with whisky laid down as far back as 1924! Plus, there is even a shop and bar on site offering drinks at competitive prices!
Distillery
Suntory Yamazaki distillery can be found at the confluence of Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers, providing an ideal environment to produce quality whisky. Due to the soft waters in Japan allowing for an array of different flavor profiles in their whisky, this unique climate creates a diverse array of whiskies from Suntory Yamazaki’s wide selection of premium beverages such as beer, wine, and soft drinks – contributing significantly to Suntory Yamazaki’s excellent reputation in Japan as a premium beverages maker. Suntory also produces other premium beverages, including beer, wine, and soft drinks.
This distillery employs various production methods in its single-malt whisky production. These include 16 pot stills of various sizes and shapes – some featuring boiling balls while others do not – along with direct and indirect-heated washbacks, giving its whiskies an array of distinct flavors.
Once whisky has been distilled, it is stored in one of two concrete warehouses on site stacked four high. It is bottled and sold worldwide after being aged for at least eight years.
Suntory has long been recognized for producing quality whisky; Yamazaki brand whisky is no different. Rare to come across but offering a unique flavor profile that anyone who appreciates full-bodied drinks will surely love, this whisky boasts subtle orange notes for added depth of taste.
Suntory Yamazaki offers single malt and blended whiskies alike. Some have won Jim Murray’s World Whisky of the Year award. One such blend, Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013, boasts an elegant combination of 8-20-year-old whiskies with a complex and robust flavor profile.
Blends from Suntory Premium Malts are popular among those seeking an easy-drinking whisky suitable for everyday consumption. In addition, the company produces Hibiki Harmony as a high-end whiskey offering vanilla and tropical fruit notes – perfect for those who appreciate subtleties like vanilla. Suntory whiskies can be found across more than 100 countries worldwide! Other products include the famous beer brand Suntory Premium Malts and various beverages from their Suntory portfolio.
Blending
Yamazaki single malt whisky is beloved around the globe for its fruity, complex aroma and distinctive flavor notes. Distilled at its Yamazaki distillery and aged for several years in oak barrels, it boasts beautiful floral characteristics with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and candied orange with nut oils, a full-bodied, smooth texture combined with dryness and sweetness to finish out this masterpiece of whisky production.
This whisky, with an alcohol content of 57%, is sold nationwide in the US. Enjoyed on its own or mixed in cocktails featuring fruit or sweeter flavor profiles, it makes an excellent base. Adding water will further enhance the whisky’s smooth flavor and make it more refreshing.
Suntory’s Yamazaki 12-year-old whisky can be found across the country. Distinguished for its light, elegant, and smooth flavor, it can be enjoyed straight from the bottle or mixed with club soda to create an easy drinking experience with crisp notes for an exciting twist. With its delicate aroma and satisfying yet relaxing taste profile, Yamazaki 12-year-old is an excellent addition to a warm, cozy evening experience.
Experience Yamazaki Whisky at its best with a visit to Japan’s Yamazaki Whisky Museum. Guided tours can take you through their production area and aging warehouses while souvenir items from their gift shop mark your visit with memories. Plus, their lovely atmosphere adds to the experience.
Suntory and Jim Beam recently collaborated to produce Legend Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend. Bottled at an impressive 57 percent ABV and available for sale in the US, it combines sweet notes of bourbon whiskey with robust notes found in Yamazaki whiskey to produce an unforgettable taste experience.
Whisky making forms part of the Yamazaki Sense of Place program, which explores its history and culture. The aim is to raise awareness of traditional crafts like whisky-making while encouraging tourism within the Yamazaki region.
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