Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve is an original Japanese blended single malt whisky with a refined profile of fruity and floral notes. A fragrant but subtle-tasting drink, this carefully blended whisky is a classic matured in both American and Japanese Mizunara oak casks.
Perfect on its own or as an aperitif during meals, the Yamazaki single malt whisky is a serious drink for those who want to experience the depths of a good whisky. The Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve contains about 43% alcohol by volume (ABV).
The history and legacy of Yamazaki Distiller
Yamazaki Distillery was founded by the Chairman of Kotobukiya Torii Shinjiro in 1923. When Kotobukiya became Suntory, the ownership of Yamazaki Distillery was also transferred to Suntory Holdings Ltd and remained under the supervision of its founder Torii.
Known as Japan’s first commercial whisky distillery, it is located in the Shimamoto district in the serene outskirts of Osaka Prefecture. Aside from being an award-winning company, Yamazaki Distillery produces some of the best Japanese single malt whiskies and vintages outside the US.
Its most popular and staple offerings are single malt 12-year-old whisky, 18-year-old single malt whisky, and Yamazaki 25-year-old whisky.
Yamazaki Distillery also makes whiskies that are aged up to 50 years old, including a selection of beers, wines, and alcoholic beverages.
What goes into a bottle of Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve?
The secrets within every batch of Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve is a closely guarded recipe known only to a select few and the factory master. As it is a single malt whisky, the obvious ingredient would be barley and spring water.
Other regional flavours would come from seasonal Hokkaido plum and fruits cultivated in cooler regions of Kyoto. But the production of Yamazaki whisky also goes beyond its ingredients.
The distillery puts extra care in its selection of casks, choosing only three types of barrels: red wine casks, sherry casks, and premium Mizunara wood casks. These are used in sequence to age its whiskies to perfection.
How old is Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve?
No specific age or age statement is mentioned for the Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve.
Tasting notes
Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve is gentle on the palate and highly aromatic with fragrant notes of Yamazaki strawberries, dried fruits, and flowers. Using different wood casks in the ageing process also imparts sweet aromas of sandalwood and coconut, as well as a clear finish of sweet vanilla and cinnamon.
The overall flavour is subtle with hints of oak wood, white peach, and a gentle spiciness that dissipates quickly.
Serving tips and food pairings
We highly recommend the Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve whisky for newcomers who want to taste the flavours. Serving it neat or with ice is the simplest way to smell and taste single malt whisky in full effect.
If you’re looking to try a decent mixer, you can enjoy the taste of Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve in one of Japan’s most well-known bar beverages. Here’s a quick recipe:
Whisky Highball
What you need:
- Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve (1 shot)
- Ice cubes
- Chilled soda
- Lemon slice for garnish
Steps:
- Set a few cubes of ice in a highball cocktail glass and allow to chill.
- Pour in one shot of whisky to 3 parts of chilled soda.
- Stir with a spoon in a bottom-to-top motion.
- Garnish with lemon slices.
- Serve and enjoy.
The whisky highball is an iconic drink commonly served in Japanese izakayas and is popular for its refreshing taste and fizzy mouthfeel.
As for the foodie option, the Yamazaki Suntory flagship whisky goes well with more seasoned cuisines such as fried chicken. Try it with small bites like tapas-style dishes or Indian cuisine for an exciting gastronomic experience.
Seafood dishes like sushi and sashimi also make for a great pairing with a glass of whisky highball in true Japanese izakaya-style.
Notable awards
A testament to its quality, Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve has earned many reputable awards.
- International Spirits Challenge 2020 (Gold)
- International Spirits Challenge 2019 (Double Gold)
- International Spirits Challenge 2018 (Gold)
- International Spirits Challenge 2017 (Supreme Champion Spirit Award)
- International Spirits Challenge 2015 (Gold)
- International Spirits Challenge 2014 (Gold)
- International Spirits Challenge 2013 (Gold)
- International Spirits Challenge 2012 (Trophy)
- International Spirits Challenge 2010 (Gold)
- San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2015 (Double Gold)
- San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013 (Double Gold)
- San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2012 (Double Gold)
- San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2011 (Double Gold)
- World Whiskies Awards (Best Single Malt Whisky)
The Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve single malt whisky is Japan’s first blended whisky that will give you a profound drinking experience.
Its sophisticated taste is a homage to the soul of Japanese whisky connoisseurs worldwide. So buy a bottle to enjoy now
