spirits whiskey
43.0
The Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt
About this product
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.
The deductive profile Library
colourdeep amber-gold
noseRipe peach and plum, honeyed sweetness, coconut and vanilla from American oak, subtle spice
palateSilky entry, peach and apricot, vanilla cream, mild tannin from oak, clove and cinnamon finish
finishMedium-long, sweet fruit and spice fade into sandalwood (Mizunara influence)
Service
notesA splash of spring water (not tap) opens the nose significantly. Japanese style: Mizuwari (1:2.5 whisky to chilled water) is traditional.
glasswareGlencairn or wide-bowl nosing glass
serve tempNeat at room temperature or with a single large ice ball
Open The Library to see this section in full.
Open The LibraryTasting profile
Ripe peach and plum, honeyed sweetness, coconut and vanilla from American oak, subtle spice
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Pairings
complement
casual
Yamazaki 12's elegant oak bridges the karaage; a Japanese single malt for the izakaya's most beloved fried chicken
classic
casual
complement
casual
Yamazaki 12's delicate Japanese complexity bridges the yakitori tare; a Suntory single malt for an izakaya classic
classic
casual
complement
dairy_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.
classic
cheese
complement
casual
Yamazaki 12's Japanese oak complexity bridges the glazed salmon; both share a warm, sweet complexity from Japanese refinement
classic
main
complement
casual
Yamazaki 12's Japanese character belongs alongside shabu-shabu; both are expressions of Japanese refinement at the table
established
main
complement
cheese
Yamazaki 12's mizunara oak bridges the aged Mimolette; the Japanese whisky's sandalwood note suits the Dutch-style cheese
established
cheese
complement
dessert
Yamazaki 12's mizunara elegance bridges the matcha tiramisu; using the whisky in the soak creates a Japanese-Italian loop
established
dessert