A celebration of time, craft, and quiet mastery, the Yamazaki Limited Edition 2023 offers a rare glimpse into the nuanced art of Japanese whisky-making. This highly anticipated annual release from the House of Suntory is a tribute to the distillery’s legacy.

Crafted using a selection of long-matured malts aged in mizunara oak casks, this edition pays tribute to the House of Suntory’s enduring legacy and its mastery of Japan’s most revered oak. Mizunara is notoriously temperamental to work with, yet its character is unmistakable, offering soft incense, gentle spice, and a delicate elegance that lingers long after the last sip.

Often considered the soul wood of Japanese whisky, mizunara is notoriously difficult to work with, but its rewards are unmatched. This year's expression showcases Yamazaki’s expertise in handling the delicate balance of this rare oak — delivering a whisky of refined depth, gentle spice, and unmistakable elegance.

Presented in refined packaging that mirrors the quiet luxury of the Yamazaki name, this final chapter in the Limited Edition series is both a collector’s gem and a deeply expressive pour.

Tasting Notes

On the Nose

Opens with a burst of tropical fruits like pineapple and orange, accented by warm nutmeg. As it breathes, deeper notes of creamy coconut and subtle florals emerge, hinting at the Mizunara oak influence.

On the Palate

Luxuriously full-bodied, with honey sweetness leading the way. Hints of vanilla, ginger, and unexpected blueberry add complexity. The Mizunara oak contributes a subtle woodiness that harmonizes with the other flavors.

The Finish

Long and contemplative - a quiet nod to the patience required to bring such a whisky to life.

About Yamazaki

Nestled at the foot of the serene Ōi Mountains in Kyoto, the Yamazaki Distillery, founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, stands as Japan’s first and most revered whisky distillery. Owned by the legendary whisky house Suntory, it draws on the pure, pristine waters of the surrounding mountains, which infuse its whiskies with an unmatched clarity and character. 

Yamazaki is celebrated for its delicate, multifaceted expressions, where the artful blending of fruit, oak, and soft smokiness creates a symphony of flavors. With casks of American oak, sherry, and rare Japanese Mizunara oak, Yamazaki has shaped the Japanese whisky industry, earning a cherished place in the hearts of whisky connoisseurs around the world.

Suntory is the oldest whisky making company in Japan. Its origins stretch back to a small shop, started in 1899 by Torii Shinjiro, which specialized in selling imported wines.