Yamazaki 12 Single Malt Whisky
Yamazaki 12 Single Malt Whisky
Introduction
apples and pears followed by vanilla oak smoothOk, if it’s not clear from the name that this Yamazaki 12 Single Malt Whisky isn’t technically scotch whisky, then perhaps my bad Haiku above gave it away. Tonight I’m drinking from a 50 ml miniature of this popular Japanese whisky, bottled at 43%. The Yamazaki distillery is owned by Suntory Limited, which has been around for a long time, but a lot of us Americans probably just became aware of this company via Lost in Translation with Bill Murray (YouTube video below). Interestingly, Morrison Bowmore (Bowmore, Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch) is a subsidiary of Suntory. Here in Arizona, this 12 year expression can be had for $40, vs. a large jump to $115 for their 18 year.
Tasting notes
On the nose, my first impression was that this is light and fruity (apples). Then I spent some more time with it, and it seemed to gain a little richness (not a lot), with some vanilla that is probably coming out from the oak, and a hint of spiciness.
On the palate, I’m back to apple juice, but some undetermined spices are coming on. Heading into the finish, the spice clarifies a bit, turning into light pepper. This is fairly light on the palate, but it’s not watery. I’m glad it’s at 43%, not 40%. The finish is medium, with the fruity sweetness tapering off quickly, and the pepper lingering a little bit. I’m not getting any strange aftertastes or alcohol burn.
If you presented this to me in a blind tasting and said it was a “scotch”, I would have no doubt that it was from Speyside. Going from memory of the whiskies I’ve tried, the profile of this Yamazaki seems like a mix between The Glenlivet, and either Linkwood or Glenfiddich. I think I need to do a head-to-head with these sometime.
Conclusion – You’ve heard people refer to some whiskies as being “dangerously drinkable”? To me, this is one of those. Usually I make the most out of these 50 ml miniatures. I’ll go through them in a couple of 25 ml sessions…maybe even 3 servings if they’re cask strength. I plowed right through this one tonight. No, it’s not super complex, but I enjoyed sitting and nosing it (always a big plus), and it was sooo smooth and drinkable. Maybe it won’t impress your scotch aficionado buddies, but I say pick up a bottle and call it a guilty pleasure. I would also recommend serving this as an introductory single malt to friends who are nervous to get started with whisky. At $40, I’m going to be keeping a bottle of this in my cupboard, as I think this is a great value. Other Yamazaki expressions will also be on my radar now…I’m VERY interested in their peated expressions.
Other opinions and additional information
I haven’t yet taken to assigning “ratings” to the whiskies I write about in these posts. I mean, who the hell do I think I am, anyway? However, if I did give a review rating to Yamazaki 12, I think I would place it a few points above where a lot of these other folks put it. The common consensus seems to be that this is a perfectly “ok” whisky worth a very average rating. I can totally see that, but I’m awarding it a couple of “guilty pleasure” bonus points for sheer drinkability and the pleasant nose, moving it to slightly above average.
- Whisky Magazine (Issue 13) – Old ratings and notes from Michael Jackson and Jim Murray.
- Whisky Magazine (Issue 26) – Ratings and notes from Michael Jackson and Dave Broom from a few years ago.
- Whisky Magazine (Issue 56) – More recent ratings and notes from Martine Nouete and Dave Broom. Also some links to forum threads on this whisky…one of them particularly less positive than my view.
- Whisky Fun – Notes and rating (79) on a 2006 Japanese bottling.
- Nonjatta – Here is some information about the Yamazaki distillery from Nonjatta, a great web site dedicated to Japanese whiskies. Check out the Japanese distillery map link on the right side of the page…pretty cool.
- YouTube – Here’s Bill Murray’s Suntory commercial from Lost in Translation:
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I’m a big fan of this whisky – despite my preference for Islay/peated drams, this one has long been a guilty pleasure for me.
It’s good, sweet, and big – with a very unique nose, and a death that’s outstanding for a non-Islay whisky.
Thanks Tim. It sounds like we have some similar tastes in whisky (or at least an overlap with our thoughts on this and Caol Ila).
I’d say pretty similar -I give high marks to most of the stuff you’ve liked.
I differ from “peat heads” only in the fact that I LOVE Longrow CV – most of my Islay-lovin’ pals don’t rave about it, and it’s in my Top 5 easy…
Additionally, I did kind of the same thing you did a while back – picking up the Islay Gift Box and doing a Whisky Exchange order to sample some fancy, otherwise non-US available drinks.
I’ve still not had the Port Askaig, however, and don’t know when I’ll be able to indulge in another WE order to get some… But it will certainly be on my list when I do place an order
You’ve got to try the Lagavulin 1991 Distillers Edition – that’s a fantastic drink! I also HEARTILY suggest the Caperdonich 12 yr “Heavily Peated” from Whisky Exchange – what an amazing flavor. Worth every penny of the shipping. I’ll be getting another bottle of that was well, (assuming it’s still available) when I do my next WE order!
I have Longrow CV, and like your pals, I’d currently rate it a bit below my Islay favorites like Laph 15/QC/30, Laga 16/DE and Caol Ila 12/PA 17. Also below Talisker 18 and DE. In fact, after trying it 2 or 3 times now, I’m still trying to figure it out. It’s good, but definitely “different”. I was having troubles placing some of the flavors.
I want to get a handle on the CV before I open up my Longrow 18. I’m a little worried about being disappointed on that one.
I have the 1991/2007 Lagavulin DE, and until this weekend, it was tied with Lagavulin 16 and Talisker 18 at the top of my favorites list. I also just compared it directly to Laphroaig 30, my new favorite. Details coming later tonight…
Thanks for the tip on Caperdonich 12. I don’t believe I’ve heard or read anything about that until now…will have to check it out.
Indeed I have to agree in a blind tasting you would say it was scotch whiskey (but then there is just that something different at the same time).
In comparison one must make the journey to the Suntory Hibiki 17yo. It is miles ahead of the Yamazaki 12yo. And to top it off the Hibiki is a blend.
Over at the DTWC some of us have had both on the same evenings and or consecutive and found the Hibiki outstanding in comparison to the Yamazaki.
PS: thanks for you post on our site today.
You’re right, Matt. I’ve had this a few more times since I wrote this post, and there is definitely something different. For one, I’m surprised I didn’t say anything here about butterscotch notes, because that’s what I’ve noticed the last couple of times I had it. There is also something a little different about the spices in this compared to a Speyside Scotch. Perhaps some differences in the wood coming out.
I’d really like to try a Hibiki. At this point, the only Japanese whiskies available in the United States are Yamazaki 12 and 18. However, Hibiki 12 is supposed to be hitting the shelves soon.
I enjoy the blog posts on your site. Check out the link on my Resources tab.
Cheers,
Jeff
This is an excellent review, and right on the money. This is a “scotch” that is smooooooothhhhh. Would make a great introductory bottle to the “world” of scotch. If this is to harsh-you will not be drinking scotch. If it’s smokey flavor and the deep peat you seek don’t bother. But for a smooth drink or your third scotch it’s awesome.
Thanks Paul! I’m glad you commented on this one, as I’ve been meaning to pull it back out and take some new notes. I’ve tried it a couple of other times since I wrote this review, and while it has very much in common with the Speyside Scotch profile, there seems to be something different about the oak flavor in the Japanese whiskies. I hadn’t experienced enough variety when I originally wrote about this to realize that.
I still love it, though, and think it’s a great value. Thanks for your input!
Cheers,
Jeff
Just discovered your Blog, been a fan of Nonjatta for a while & through them have discovered Japanese Malts. I agree with you that the Yamazaki 12 is a malt to be careful with, its easy to quaff this back without realising how much you’ve had & as you can pick up a full size bottle(70cl) here for less than £30 (sometimes a lot less)
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