The Yamazaki 12-Year Old Single Malt Whisky
As good as Scotch? Blasphemy!
(1)
The Japanese have a knack for taking things made famous by other countries and duplicating them perfectly, often improving them. Think of the sports sedan, outdoor gear, tea, and the diver’s watch. But when I received a bottle of The Yamazaki 12-year old single malt as a birthday gift from some Japanese friends, I was skeptical. Though no expert, I am an avid Scotch drinker; my tastes generally range from the smooth Highland malts to smoky draughts from the Isle of Skye. It seemed like blasphemy to suggest that single malt outside of the hallowed islands of my ancestors could claim to be as good. Considering my preconceptions, this Japanese iconoclast pleasantly surprised me as I think it will most Scotch drinkers, if you can find it.
The Yamazaki comes from the venerable Japanese Suntory distillery (remember Bill Murray in Lost in Translation?), a company more known for its blends, which are best served on the rocks, with water, or in a mixed drink. But little-known in the West until recently, Suntory also distills a line of high-end single malt whiskies and they’re starting to give the Scotches a real challenge, even winning prestigious awards in blind tastings. I suppose it should come as no surprise that good whisky can come from Japan. Much of the climate in the northern part of the country is mountainous and cool, with spring-fed icy rivers cascading to the sea… much like Scotland.
The bottle came in a classic whisky presentation, requiring the reverent opening of a stately box, wrapped in tissue and with a small information booklet brimming with the requisite hyperbolic history and descriptions. Unscrewing the cap (sorry, no cork to pop) the aroma released is fruity with a hint of caramel. No sign of smoke or peat here. The color is light honey and this is reflected in the taste, which is creamy and smooth, not unlike a Macallan 12. I like my Scotch, er… single malt, with one ice cube to cool it down and temper the bite. But The Yamazaki is excellent “neat” (straight) as well; so smooth that it encourages a second glass.
I suspect this review will inspire a long train of comments from Scotch fanatics who want to see me tarred and feathered for such heresy. But I ask that you withhold judgment until you try The Yamazaki yourself. It’s not readily available yet in the West but just wait. Suntory is starting a marketing push of their single malts in the coming year and there are a few online sources for it. Just remember, you saw it here first. Kanpai!
Cost: $45
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For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.
Great review! Who knew the Japanese could make such a fine Western beverage.
Taste in general is a subjective opinion, and even more so when single malts are invloved.
While this whiskey has been garnering some respectable praise, I honestly thought it was vile. I certainly have a preference for the peaty south Islay (particularly Laphroaig and Ardbeg) whiskeys; but can definitely appreciate the more subtle and refined single malts (Highland Park, Bowmore, etc.).
To my admittedly unsophisticated palate the Yamazaki smelled and tasted like alcohol first and foremost. While there was a hint of honey or toffee in the finish I found the raw alcohol taste overpowered the whiskey.
Nice.. Looks like you already took a pretty big chunk out of the bottle already! I've had my eye out on this brand for awhile but I've been itching to try the 18 yr variety of this whiskey and hear it is quite noticeably better than the 12.
All in the name of science and thorough reporting for GP.
Thanks for the counter opinion, Roan. You're right, taste is so subjective and I am certainly not an authority so I only report on my own impressions.
For a true authoritative opinion, here are the tasting notes from the late, great beer and whisky critic, Michael Jackson:
"Nose - Sweet, malty, flowery.
Palate - Crisp. Grassy. Almost herbal.
Finish - Long, perfumy. Parma violet sweets? Becoming drier. Slightly biscuity.
Comment - This was a pioneering malt in Japan, for which Suntory deserve great credit."
Source: http://www.whiskymag.com/whisky/brand/yamazaki/wh...
Yamazaki has been distilling whisky since 1923 near Kyoto.It was the first distillery in Japan out of 10.It is powerful.It is like a good ,strong Irish Whisky.It has the taste of malt but lacks the smokiness of Scotch.With the first whiff the aroma of fresh fruit-apples,berries and some bananas washes over you.It is fine on its own,better with a splash of water and good on the rocks too.
Yamazaki has been distilling whisky since 1923 near Kyoto.It was the first distillery in Japan out of 10.It is powerful.It is like a good ,strong Irish Whisky.It has the taste of malt but lacks the smokiness of Scotch.With the first whiff the aroma of fresh fruit-apples,berries and some bananas washes over you.It is fine on its own,better with a splash of water and good on the rocks too.
Nothing can be called scotch unless it is from Scotland. That is why they call it, whisky. It sounds tasty and would be worth trying if it’s price is way below what I would expect to pay for a real single malt scotch.