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Suntory at 100: Hamish's Journey to Japan
Hamish's Haiku
If Scotch is my love,
then Yamazaki must be
my secret sweetheart.
I've just come back from my trip far east of Inveraray to bring you some spectacular one-of-a-kind releases. Don’t say I’m not good to you. I walked for 110 days, across 5,738 miles, and journeyed through the lush forests outside of Osaka, to find the cornerstone of Japanese distilling - Yamazaki distillery. It’s been nestled within the trees for 100 years, and what a sight it was.
With its centenary this year, they have released a limited amount of commemorative Yamazaki bottlings and I’m thrilled to present them to you.
I even used my old charm to get not only some of the 12-year-old, but the coveted 18-year-old too. To make it fair and square, I'll be offering anyone who buys a bottle of the 12, an invitation to enter a ballot for the 18. You have all my good luck for the pair!
The House of Suntory have been pioneers of Japanese whisky since 1923, when founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt distillery. Good man! The birthplace of Japanese single malt, Yamazaki means “mountain cape” in reference to its secluded location surrounded by green hills. It was founded after Torii was inspired by traditional Scottish whisky making during his time at Glasgow University (it is the best in the world, after all). Torii believed that the craftsmanship and mastery needed to make single malt whisky fittingly reflected the values of the Japanese people and culture, and on the other hand, that the land's unique climate, pure water sources, and rich natural materials would contribute to creating a world-leading whisky. He certainly wasnae wrong!
The expression is famous for maturation in Mizunara (Japanese) oak casks. First used during the Pacific War due to a shortage of bourbon casks, the wood offers a truly different flavour unlike anything else. The Yamazaki 12 Year Old 100th Anniversary Release holds aromas of Mizunara oak, alongside pineapple, grapefruit and clove notes. On sipping, I find an interesting creaminess, with flavours of coconut, cranberries and salted butter that lead into a sweet and spicy finish of cinnamon and ginger. The limited-edition commemorative bottling is presented with a special label celebrating the distillery's historic founding a century ago, honouring its commitment to superb quality and innovation.
The rare Yamazaki 18 Year Old 100th Anniversary Release also showcases the wee beauty of Mizunara oak. This one holds rich aromas of dark cherry and stone fruits, followed by delicate spice. This continues after the first sip, with subtle flavours of cinnamon and plenty of fragrant Japanese incense leading to a long and lingering finish full of clove and sandalwood. Remember, you have to be in it to win it!
Browse our full range of Yamazaki here.
