The Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt

Yamazaki — Suntory Distillery, Japan

The entry-level age statement expression of Suntory's Yamazaki Distillery — and the world's most recognised Japanese whisky outside Japan. Distilled from 100% malted barley and matured for a minimum of 12 years in a combination of American white oak (ex-bourbon), European oak (ex-sherry), and a small percentage of Mizunara Japanese oak. The resulting whisky is the textbook expression of the Japanese single malt style: silky texture, restrained sweetness, layered complexity, and exceptional integration. It represents the gateway expression to Japanese whisky appreciation for most international drinkers.

Pairing intelligence

• casual: Yamazaki 12's elegant oak bridges the karaage; a Japanese single malt for the izakaya's most beloved fried chicken
• casual: Yamazaki 12's delicate Japanese complexity bridges the yakitori tare; a Suntory single malt for an izakaya classic
• cheese: The nutty, crystalline umami of aged hard cheese echoes the vanilla and caramel oak notes of Yamazaki 12, while the milk fat coats the palate between sips.
• main: Yamazaki 12's Japanese oak complexity bridges the glazed salmon; both share a warm, sweet complexity from Japanese refinement
• main: Yamazaki 12's Japanese character belongs alongside shabu-shabu; both are expressions of Japanese refinement at the table
• cheese: Yamazaki 12's mizunara oak bridges the aged Mimolette; the Japanese whisky's sandalwood note suits the Dutch-style cheese
• dessert: Yamazaki 12's mizunara elegance bridges the matcha tiramisu; using the whisky in the soak creates a Japanese-Italian loop