Yamazaki 12 is one of Japans benchmark single maltselegant, multilayered, and refined. It balances fruit, oak (including rare Mizunara oak), and spice in a way that makes it approachable but richly complex. A classic whisky that often serves as an entry point into Japanese malts.

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Origins & Craftsmanship

• Distillery: Yamazaki, Suntory. Japans first malt whisky distillery, founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii.

• Maturation: Aged 12 years in a blend of casks American oak, Spanish oloroso sherry casks, and Japanese Mizunara oak. This combination gives its signature complexity.

• ABV: 43%.

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Tasting Profile

Sense Notes Colour Pure gold. Nose Peach, pineapple, grapefruit, candied orange, vanilla, clove, and a touch of Mizunara oak sandalwood/incense-like hints. Palate Rich and smooth coconut, cranberry, butter; interplay of sweet fruit and mild oak spice. Finish Long, sweet and spicy: ginger, cinnamon, a lingering warmth of oak.

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Critical & Community Impressions

• Reviewers often praise Yamazaki 12 for how well-integrated its cask influences are the Mizunara oak in particular gives it a layer of exotic character (incense / sandalwood) that others dont.

• Its seen as very clean and well-crafted, with no harsh edges; many say that, despite being a 12-year whisky, it has a maturity and polish beyond its years.

• Some critique its price relative to Scotch and other whiskies of similar age, but most agree the quality justifies much of the premium.

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Quick Overview

Spec Detail Origin Yamazaki Distillery, Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture, Japan Age 12 years Cask Types American oak, Spanish sherry (oloroso), Japanese mizunara oak ABV 43% Style Elegant, fruit-forward, subtly spiced, with oak influence but not overpowering.