Yamazaki 18 yo (bottled 2023), 100th Anniversary – Mizunara, 48%

Introduction

Yamazaki 18 Year Old 100th Anniversary Mizunara stands as a momentous tribute to Japan’s oldest and most revered distillery, embodying a century of pioneering whisky craftsmanship since its founding in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Premium malted barley sourced from Scotland and crystal-clear water from the bamboo-filtered springs of Yamazaki, renowned for its softness and purity
• Distillation process: Carefully distilled in Yamazaki’s unique copper pot stills of varying shapes, allowing for greater complexity in the spirit character
• Maturation: Aged for a minimum of 18 years with significant maturation in rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks, known for their porous nature and distinctive aromatic contributions
• Special techniques: Blended by Suntory’s Chief Blender specifically for the 100th anniversary, with an elevated ABV of 48% to showcase the full depth of Mizunara’s influence

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich dried fruits, honey, and distinctive sandalwood with oriental incense notes unique to Mizunara oak, accompanied by subtle vanilla and candied orange
• Palate: Elegant layers of dark chocolate, mizunara spice with notes of cinnamon, clove, and coconut, balanced by persimmon, dried apricot, and a touch of espresso
• Finish: Long, warming, and complex with persistent sandalwood, subtle Japanese spices, and hints of antique leather and dark fruit that linger with remarkable persistence

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature or with a single drop of spring water to open up the complex aromatics
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the delicate aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat in contemplative silence to appreciate its complexity and craftsmanship
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with high cocoa content, dried fruit, or traditional Japanese wagashi for complementary flavor profiles

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 48% ABV
• Bottle size: 700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Japan, Yamazaki Distillery in Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture
• Certifications/Awards: Part of the prestigious lineage of Yamazaki 18, which has won multiple World Whiskies Awards and is consistently rated among the world’s finest single malts

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

The Yamazaki 18 Year Old 100th Anniversary Mizunara represents the pinnacle of Japanese whisky craftsmanship, with its distinctive Mizunara influence creating a profile unattainable by any other distillery in the world.

As a strictly limited centennial release, this expression may never be reproduced in exactly this form again, making it not just a remarkable whisky but a historic artifact from Japan’s most celebrated distillery.

Endorsed by master blenders and whisky critics worldwide, this anniversary bottling stands as a definitive expression of what makes Japanese whisky so uniquely revered in the global spirits landscape.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Collectors and connoisseurs globally recognize Yamazaki 18 as a benchmark of excellence, with this special anniversary edition representing an even more coveted addition to any serious whisky collection.

Devotees of Japanese whisky who have committed to exploring the depths of this distinctive style consider the Yamazaki 18 Mizunara expressions to be essential experiences in their whisky journey.

The critical acclaim garnered by Yamazaki’s Mizunara-influenced whiskies has established them as some of the most sought-after bottles at international auctions and among private collectors.

From Yamazaki Distillery to You

Each bottle of this centennial celebration whisky represents a gift of time—18 years of patient maturation and a century of accumulated expertise offered to the most appreciative palates.

The warmth and meticulous attention to detail that defines Japanese hospitality is reflected in every aspect of this whisky’s creation, from distillation to bottling.

By experiencing this 100th Anniversary release, you join a century-long tradition of whisky appreciation that connects connoisseurs across generations and continents—secure your bottle to become part of this continuing legacy.