Yamazaki Distillery Reserve Single Malt Whisky, 70cl

Product Information

Introducing the flow of the manufacturing process We will explain the flow of the malt whiskey manufacturing process using videos and whiskey ingredients. The berry and jammy notes are good, there is lots of potential. But this whisky isn’t mature enough. Don’t get me wrong, this is not just common attitude against NAS whiskies. There are lots of good ones out there. This Yamazaki just isn’t good enough. Feels like they should’ve matured it a bit longer. Our original ume (plum) liqueur that has been matured over time in toasted casks is then finished with whisky aged in plum liqueur barrels. Enjoy the rich aroma of vanilla and the mellow, lingering aftertaste that arises from the toasted casks. The collection of whiskies from the Yamazaki Distillery are exceptional and must-tries for whisky lovers, both new and experienced.

The whisky industry is booming with NAS products (non age statement) so two of Suntory’s malt distilleries, Yamazaki and Hakushu decided to jump on the NAS wagon by releasing Distiller’s Reserve whiskies without age statement. Released in the spring of 2014, I finally got my hands on Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve. Well, I can’t say I was too keen on trying out another new NAS whisky release by a big whisky distillery, but then again, they make great drams in Japan. This can’t be below average, can it? At the historic Yamazaki Whisky Museum, which has stood since the inception of the distillery, you can find exhibits showcasing the meticulous process behind the creation of one of the world’s most coveted Japanese whiskies. I have to use Flushed Away as the reference, because it’s a good movie, but like the title says: there’s little bit of that going down the gutter feel, when releasing an incomplete NAS whisky. Feels like Yamazaki was in a hurry, trying to get its share from the NAS market. Flushed Away suits well for reference also because of the fact that Rita’s boat was named the Jammy Dodger. This whisky does have some nice jammy notes. Should I say “Running down the gutter with a piece of bread and jam butter”?Inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, Torii envisioned a Japanese approach by choosing a terrain and climate completely different to those of Scotland to create a unique kind of whisky. The Yamazaki Distillery is thus the birthplace of Japanese whisky. Nestled proudly on the periphery of Kyoto, this region was formerly referred to as "Minaseno", where one of the purest waters of Japan originates. The reinvigorated tasting lounge, on the other hand, is encircled by a vast array of original bottles. This particular spot is a haven for whisky aficionados. Here, you can savour not only the iconic Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki but also other exclusive whiskies available solely at this location. Photo: Suntory Holdings Distillery tours

Visit "The story of craftsmen, heritage & innovation" exhibit We introduce our dedication to whisky-making of Yamazaki Distillery, the oldest malt whisky distillery in Japan, and the little-known story of how the single malt whisky "Yamazaki" came to be. Visit "The story of the early days in business" exhibit Various exhibits allow you to experience the path Suntory Whisky has taken since the time of Suntory's founding. Despite this focus on NAS single malt, Shinji Fukuyo, chief blender at Suntory, says age is still an “important factor” to determine whisky’s value. But, he adds: “I believe the Distiller’s Reserve showed the value of whisky is not determined only by maturation periods. I hope it opened the consumer’s eyes for new value in whisky. We would like to continue pursuing both the value of ‘ageing time’ and other factors.” Photo: Suntory Holdings Suntory Yamazaki Distillery in Osaka to resume facility tour in November 2023 Established by Shinjiro Torii, founder of Japanese drinks group Suntory, Yamazaki became Japan’s first whisky distillery in 1923. It is located at the foot of Mt. Tenno in the rural town of Yamazaki, in Shimamoto, Osaka, where the Katsura, Uji and Kizu rivers converge. The area is famed for its misty climate and soft waters – so much so that Sen no Rikyu, master of the Japanese tea ceremony, set up his teahouse in Yamazaki. According to Suntory, Torii was inspired by the traditions of Scotch whisky but sought a point of difference by building his distillery in a uniquely Japanese terrain.

After a period of renovations, the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery in Osaka prefecture is ready to welcome visitors again from November 1 – just in time to celebrate 100 years since Suntory's founder, Shinjiro Torii, began his whisky enterprise in Yamazaki. With the latest revamp, you can now delve into the unique allure of the Yamazaki Distillery through an enriched exhibition and tour experience. Photo: Suntory Holdings The whisky museum and tasting lounge According to Motoyama, the 1980s was one of the most important decades in the history of Yamazaki. “We take great pride in our innovative craftsmanship and the large variety of malt whiskies produced at Yamazaki Distillery, a rarity in the world of whiskies,” he says. “One example of our innovative spirit would be the aggressive investments conducted in the late 1980s to allow for greater and more various malt whisky production at Yamazaki Distillery.” Completed in 1989, this development allowed Yamazaki to create a variety of malt whisky styles using multiple stills designs. The balance is incredible and 'complex' doesn't quite cover it. Layered red fruit, dried raisin richness and spice that just keeps going.

Enjoy Yamazaki Whisky Museum at your own pace * No viewing of the production process * No tour conducted by guide staff Torii started his career at a pharmaceutical wholesaler, which also distilled western alcoholic beverages. In 1899, at the age of 20, he founded Torii Shoten in Osaka and started producing wine, launching the successful Akadama Port Wine, a sweet wine liqueur, eight years later. Torii then set himself an ambition to create a distinctly Japanese whisky with the build of Yamazaki. “We recognise this as the beginning of the history of Japanese whisky,” says Mineyuki Motoyama, general manager of Suntory Spirits’s whisky and imported liquor marketing department. Enjoy two possible options: the "Yamazaki Whisky Museum viewing (no viewing of production process/ Free)" and the "Yamazaki Distillery Tour (Paid)," including a tour of the distillery itself as well as whisky tasting. Enjoy whisky at the tasting lounge (paid) In addition to whiskies from around the world, you can enjoy rare whiskies and limited editions. Although this is the shorter of the two options, this tour offers whisky lovers a decent overview of the facility, where you can learn about the meticulous process behind whisky-making, view the casks used for ageing the spirit, and sample whiskies that aren't available on the commercial market. As a memento, you can take home an exclusive Yamazaki tasting glass.Phone: 1300 308 833 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 9pm AEST; Saturday 9am - 9pm AEST; Sunday 10am - 8pm AEST) Go a step further with exclusive access to areas reserved for the Prestige tour, where you’ll be able to view the whisky production area and see the artisans at work. Tastings include the luxurious Yamazaki 12 Years and other rare malt whiskies. Photo: Suntory Holdings Nose: Classic Yamazaki strawberries and dried fruits with floral notes coming from the Mizunara cask whisky. Fragrant sandalwood and maybe coconut. Certainly a whisky where you could get lost in its nose! Buy souvenirs at the shop At the Yamazaki distillery gift shop, we offer various products made of materials of the maturation barrels. Phone: 1300 300 640 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 9pm AEST; Saturday 9am - 9pm AEST; Sunday 10am - 8pm AEST)