The Yamazaki 18 Year Old is one of the most celebrated Japanese whiskies, a single malt from Suntory's Yamazaki distillery distilled from 100% malted barley in copper pot stills. It is matured in a combination of American oak, Spanish oak sherry casks and rare Japanese Mizunara oak, and bottled at 43% ABV.
Yamazaki is Suntory's flagship single malt, prized for its multi-layered fruit and the incense-like aroma of Mizunara. At 18 years, the sherry casks bring depth and richness: deep Oloroso, plum and dried fruit, balanced by the delicate spice and sandalwood character that only Mizunara oak can give. Yamazaki stands near Kyoto, where the meeting of three rivers creates the mist and soft water that have shaped its whisky for a century.
The nose offers concentrated truffle, marmalade and lavender backed by deep Oloroso sherry. The palate unfolds in layers of heather, cigar leaf, honeycomb, toffee apple and rich plum wine, with a subtle hint of rancio, and the finish is long, fruity and marmalade-led.
Presented in its black bottle with the gold calligraphy 山崎, Yamazaki, the 18 Year Old is a benchmark of Japanese whisky and one of the most sought-after bottles for collectors worldwide.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Concentrated truffle, marmalade and lavender, backed by deep Oloroso sherry.
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Palate: Heather, cigar leaf, honeycomb, toffee apple and rich plum wine, with subtle rancio.
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Finish: Long, fruity and marmalade-led.
Specifications
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Producer: Suntory, Yamazaki Distillery
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Style: Single Malt Japanese Whisky
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Age: 18 years
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Proof / ABV: 86 proof (43% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: American oak, Spanish oak sherry casks and Mizunara oak
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Region: Yamazaki, Japan
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Enjoy it neat in a tulip glass to appreciate its depth, or add a few drops of water to release the Mizunara spice. It pairs well with dark chocolate, dried fruits or wagyu. One of Japan's most prestigious single malts, it is a superb gift for any whisky lover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What casks is Yamazaki 18 aged in?
A combination of American oak, Spanish oak sherry casks and Japanese Mizunara oak.
Who makes Yamazaki?
Suntory, at its Yamazaki distillery.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 43% ABV, or 86 proof.
Explore more in our Japanese Whisky collection.
