Yamazaki 18 year old
Here we have Suntory’s multi award-winning Japanese single malt from Yamazaki, the oldest whisky distillery in Japan. The single malt was launched in 1992, and around 80% of the liquid is matured in sherry butts, while the remaining whisky spent its years in American and Mizunara oak casks. An absolutely stunning marriage of fruit, oak and smoky notes, it’s really no wonder why it won so many awards!
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Description
Yamazaki 18: Unraveling the Hype – Is it Worth the Price?
Yamazaki 18: A Coveted Japanese Whisky
Yamazaki 18 has become a symbol of the meteoric rise of Japanese whisky. This single malt from Suntory’s oldest distillery is highly sought-after, winning awards and captivating whisky enthusiasts worldwide. But with its hefty price tag and limited availability, it’s essential to delve deeper before taking the plunge.
Yamazaki 18: From Grain to Glass
- Location: Yamazaki Distillery, nestled in the outskirts of Kyoto, Japan, where the humid climate and pure water sources contribute to the whisky’s character.
- Maturation: Yamazaki 18 is aged for at least 18 years in a variety of casks, including Sherry, Mizunara (Japanese oak), and American oak, creating a complex flavor profile.
- Craftsmanship: Suntory’s meticulous attention to detail at every stage of production is what sets Yamazaki apart.
Tasting Experience
- Nose: Rich aromas of dried fruit, raisins, spice, a hint of sandalwood derived from Mizunara oak.
- Palate: Flavors of dark chocolate, ripe berries, spice, with subtle smoke and a velvety texture.
- Finish: Long, warm, and satisfying with lingering notes of sweet spice and Mizunara oak.
Critical Acclaim: The Awards and Praise
Yamazaki 18 consistently receives top honors in international spirits competitions:
- World Whiskies Awards: Several “World’s Best” titles.
- Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible: Has received exceptionally high scores.
- Positive Reviews: Whisky critics and enthusiasts often praise its balance, complexity, and unique Japanese character.
Potential Drawbacks: Hype, Price, and Availability
- The Hype Factor: The surge in Japanese whisky’s popularity has caused demand to outstrip supply, leading to inflated prices
- Significant Cost: Yamazaki 18 typically carries a premium price, sometimes exceeding affordability for the average whisky drinker.
- Finding a Bottle: Limited availability makes it challenging to find, often requiring searching specialty stores or online retailers.
Is Yamazaki 18 Worth It?
Consider these factors to help you decide:
- Experienced Palate: If you appreciate nuance and complexity in whisky, Yamazaki 18 offers a unique journey.
- Special Occasions: Its quality justifies reserving it for significant moments or those with a true appreciation for Japanese whisky.
- Investment Potential: The rarity may make it an attractive collector’s item and potential for appreciation.
Where to Find Yamazaki 18
Your best options include:
- Specialty Liquor Stores: Retailers focusing on whisky might carry it occasionally.
- Online Marketplaces: Be cautious of inflated prices and ensure the seller is reputable.
- Japanese Travel (If Possible): Airport duty-free or select stores in Japan may offer better deals, though stock can be unpredictable.
The Verdict
Yamazaki 18 is undoubtedly an outstanding Japanese whisky, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and offering a distinctive flavor profile. However, the hype and price point necessitate careful consideration. If you are a seasoned whisky enthusiast seeking a unique and exquisite experience, it might be a worthwhile investment.
Japanese Whiskey
Type Single Malt
Brand Suntory Whisky
Distillery Yamazaki
Strength 43 %
Volume 70 cl
Age 18 year old
Type of cask Sherry – Mizunara
Peat No peated
Ingredient Malted barley
Packaging Cardboard case
Yamazaki 18 Year Old | 700ML Tasting Notes
Nose: Truffles, thick bitter marmalade and resin. Potpourri and heavy Oloroso sherry.
Palate: A rich, bittersweet palate with heather roots, cigar leaves, honey, toffee apples, plum wine and black pepper. A touch of rancio, perhaps…
Finish: Long, fruity, marmalade-led finish.
Distillery Information
The Yamazaki whisky distillery, Japan’s first malt whisky distillery, has greatly contributed to establishing the celebrated reputation that Japanese whisky has around the world over the years with its high-quality single malt expressions. Back in 1923, Shinjiro Torii chose the Vale of Yamazaki as the place where he would build his whisky distillery for its supply of good water and a favourable climate for maturation. Torii had already made a name for himself selling sweet wines and importing European wines to Japan as the Kotobukiya Company (which would eventually become Suntory), but whisky was not a drink enjoyed by many in the country back then. Never-the-less, Torii was determined and the first spirit ran from the Yamazaki stills in 1924. Masataka Taketsuru helped to build Yamazaki and worked there for some years before leaving to start Nikka. The first whisky they produced was Shirofuda Whisky in 1929, followed by their Kakubin in 1937, which was very popular indeed (and still available in its distinctive tortoise-shell bottle today!). It wasn’t until 1984 that the distillery (now with Torii’s second son Keizo Saji at the helm) released their very first Yamazaki Japanese single malt whisky - the Yamazaki 12 Year Old. In the late 1980s, the distillery was renovated - they were back in action in 1989, newly kitted out with wooden and stainless steel washbacks alongside directly and indirectly heated stills. In the 1990s, the popularity of Yamazaki’s whisky grew and new expressions were introduced. This included the Yamazaki 18 Year Old in 1992, the Yamazaki 10 Year Old in 1995 and the Yamazaki 25 Year Old (released to mark the 100th anniversary of Suntory). In 2006, third generation Master Blender Shingo Torii switched production of Yamazaki’s whiskies to smaller pot stills, and in 2013 the distillery underwent an expansion to install four more stills - Yamazaki is now home to 12 stills of three different varieties. This allows them to create whiskies with different flavour profiles, which is useful for blending, as Suntory and Nikka own the biggest distilleries in Japan, and there is little exchange between them. Yamazaki’s whiskies have received their fair share of awards - the Yamazaki 12 Year Old was the first Japanese whisky to be given a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge in 2003 and the Yamazaki 1984 was crowned the Supreme Champion Spirit at the International Spirits Challenge 2010, selected from every entrant of all categories. Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013 was named Jim Murray’s World Whisky of the Year in his 2015 Whisky Bible to much acclaim.
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