The Yamazaki Distillery was founded in 1932 by Masetaka Taketsuru at the foot of Mount Tenno between Osaka and Kyoto. Production began the following year. The distillery was owned by Shinijiro Torri's Kotobukiya Company, which was renamed Suntory before production started. It was not until 1984 that the distillery launched its first single malt, the Yamazaki 12 Years Old.
Yamazaki 12 years matured the entire time in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, supplemented by fresh casks made from Japanese oak (Mizunara). Bottled at 43 vol. % alcohol, without coloring.
Aroma: Mildly sweet with hints of tropical fruits and citrus, spicy with a delicate oak note.
Taste: Sweet with vanilla and some spicy pepper, oranges and cloves, raisin and delicate oak.
