YAMAZAKI 12 YEARS OLD

- ABV: 43%

- Size: 70cl

One of the first commercially marketed single malt whiskies from Japan is the Suntory Yamazaki 12 Years Old. This whisky was first introduced in 1984 to the world and is one of the favorites of whisky connoisseurs all over. This is another one of the award-winning bottles from this brand and is a fruity, somewhat sweet, spicy, and full-bodied whisky.

The Suntory Yamazaki 12 Years Old is a Japanese whisky that has won numerous awards, which include the Double Gold Medal in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition both in the years of 2009 and 2013. This single malt whisky is made using 100% malted barley and is fermented using water from Mount Tenno. These are aged in unique barrels made from three different kinds of oak, which helps give it its unique and complex flavor.

This bottle of Japanese whisky comes with a nose that hints at maple syrup, honeysuckle, and white grapes. It also has a somewhat soft and spicy character to it. The palate is also somewhat spicy, but with a hint of caramel, some cinnamon, and a little bit of sweet orange. The finish is considered rather tart like what you find in a pineapple and grape skin.

This bottle has a rich golden color and smells of apples, muscovado sugar, cinnamon, and jasmine. It is considered medium-bodied, has notes of cinnamon, clove spice, candied orange peel, and cedarwood as well as some ashy back notes. Its tropical flavor is evident in the pineapple undertones but somewhat earthy as well with some nutty flavors and a little rum-like flavor mixed in.

This 12-year old single malt whisky comes with 43% alcohol, and is a subtle version of the 18-year old. Is a whisky that has stood the test of time and has evolved from a rounded and somewhat delicate bottle to one that is a bit more intense and elegant.