Yamazaki 12 Year Old 100th Anniversary Edition Review: 'Wonderfully Balanced'

The House of Suntory turned 100 last year, and that called for some special bottlings. One of them is the Yamazaki 12 Years Old in a special 100th Anniversary Edition. That’s reason enough for us to take a closer look at this Japanese whisky. Read on to see if this expression is for you in our Yamazaki 12 Years Old 100th Anniversary Edition Review.

The Yamazaki Distillery is Japan’s oldest distillery. Built in 1923 near Kyoto, it sits at the base of not one but two mountain ranges: Mt. Tennozan and Mt. Otokoyama. Translate the name “Yamazaki” and you’ll see it’s no coincidence: Yama means mountain and Zaki means the foot of the mountain.

One of the distillery’s best-known expressions is Yamazaki 12 Years Old, which received a 100th Anniversary Edition bottling. The whisky matured in American, Spanish, and Japanese oak casks and was bottled at 43 percent alcohol by volume after twelve years of rest. The result is a distinctly fruity character. Let’s dive into the tasting notes.

For its centennial, the House of Suntory selected Yamazaki 12 Years Old as one of the celebratory expressions. Like the Hibiki, the Hakushu, and other chosen Yamazaki releases, it comes in a refreshed presentation that clearly marks it as a special bottling.

The changes aren’t drastic. The main difference from the standard packaging is the logo on the box, highlighting Suntory’s 100th anniversary.

Otherwise, it’s a predominantly black box with the whisky’s name in gold, in both Japanese and English script. Just beyond the logo you’ll also spot an image of the Yamazaki Distillery, where this Japanese liquid gold is crafted.

As for the bottle, the story is much the same. The Yamazaki distillery hasn’t changed the bottle itself. The clear glass, the standard cork, and the usual shoulder label remain, with the addition of a special label noting that this is a limited edition honoring Suntory’s 100th anniversary. Otherwise, it’s business as usual.

Suntory and Yamazaki have left the spotlight squarely on the liquid inside. So it’s high time to find out whether it’s as fruity as the tasting notes suggest.

Open the bottle and you’re immediately met with a pronounced fruitiness. Notes of plum and cherry lead the way, followed by orange and apricot. It’s all supported by intriguing woody tones, along with honey, cinnamon, and spices like clove and a hint of pepper. That last touch tickles the nostrils before you take your first sip.

On the palate, this Japanese whisky makes its entrance with a creamy texture that quickly coats the tongue. Flavor-wise, look for cocoa, honey, and fruit. Initially it’s mostly plum and cherry, but as you hold it in your mouth, white grapes and cranberries emerge, backed by a gentle hint of vanilla and oak.

From start to finish it’s a beautifully balanced interplay of fruit and spice, all gliding along on a creamy red carpet. As you ease into the finish, the flavors slowly fade, while the mizunara oak steps forward with a subtle smoky undertone.

Yamazaki 12 Years Old is a wonderfully balanced dram. This Japanese spirit plays your nose and palate like a violin, with aromas and flavors that harmonize beautifully. It’s fruity with a line of spice, though the oak’s influence becomes more pronounced as you sip. This isn’t a dram for lovers of heavily smoky whiskies.

For everyone else seeking a quality Japanese pour, and not too worried about the price, this is a strong recommendation. The only difference between the 100th Anniversary Edition and the standard release is the packaging, and thus its collectability. So if you plan to open the bottle, there’s no need to chase the special edition.

+ Wonderfully balanced

+ Mizunara oak shines through

+ Fairly affordable for a Japanese whisky

- Finish is shorter than you might expect