Suntory Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky 70cl

Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky Worth Knowing

The Yamazaki 12 Year Old is the flagship expression from Japan's oldest malt whisky distillery, established by Suntory in 1923 in the hills south of Kyoto. Aged for a minimum of 12 years in a combination of American oak, Spanish oak, and rare Japanese Mizunara casks, it delivers a character that is distinctly Japanese yet unlike anything else in the whisky world.

On the nose you get ripe peach, pineapple, and a gentle waft of coconut, followed by notes of vanilla and a whisper of Mizunara incense. The palate is smooth and medium-bodied, with honeyed fruit, a touch of cinnamon spice, and a long, clean finish that lingers with soft oak and dried apricot. At 43% ABV it has enough weight to reward sipping neat or over a single large ice cube.

This is a whisky that won the World Whisky of the Year title in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible and has since become one of the most sought-after bottles in the world. If you have been curious about Japanese spirits and premium Japanese products, this is the one to start with. The 70cl bottle is the standard European format, distributed by Beam Suntory and produced in Japan.

How to Serve and Enjoy Yamazaki 12 Year Old

The Japanese have long championed the Highball as the definitive way to drink whisky, and Yamazaki 12 rewards that treatment beautifully. Fill a tall glass with plenty of ice, pour a generous measure, and top with chilled sparkling water at roughly a 1:3 ratio. Stir gently once and garnish with a thin slice of lemon peel. The carbonation lifts the fruity top notes and makes it extraordinarily refreshing alongside food.

Neat or with a few drops of still water is equally rewarding if you want to explore the full complexity. It pairs well with grilled salmon, miso-glazed aubergine, or a simple cheese board. For a Japanese-inspired dinner, serve it alongside dishes from our Japanese sauces and condiments range or use it as a base for a whisky sour with yuzu juice in place of lemon.

If you are building a home bar or gifting, Yamazaki 12 sits comfortably alongside other premium Japanese food and drink and makes an impressive centrepiece for any occasion. Store upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight once opened.

Why Shop for Japanese Whisky at Asian Grocery UK

Asian Grocery UK stocks an extensive range of authentic Japanese food and drink, sourced and shipped to your door across the UK. Whether you are after pantry staples, specialist ingredients, or premium bottles, you will find them alongside a broad selection of Japanese ingredients and store cupboard essentials that are hard to find on the high street.

Orders are dispatched from our UK warehouse, so there are no lengthy international waits or unexpected customs charges. Our product listings carry full label information so you can shop with confidence, and our team is on hand if you have questions about any item. Browse the full Japanese products collection to discover what else we carry, from everyday cooking staples to special-occasion bottles like this one.

Nutritional info not available. Please refer to product packaging.