2017 Edition The Yamazaki Mizunara Japanese Oak Cask 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 750ml

Manufacturer's Notes: In 1923, on the outskirts of Kyoto, the history of Japanese whisky began. It was then that Suntory's founder, Shinjiro Torii, brought to life his pioneering vision of creating a truly Japanese whisky by constructing Japan's first malt whisky distillery. Many years but at Suntory we continue to pursue our founder's vision tirelessly. Heritage, innovation, and diverse whisky-making unlike anywhere in the world: this is what creates the vivid complexity unique to the Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky.

Of the casks aging quietly in Suntory's cellars, Mizunara casks are the most rare, numbering only a few among thousands. Those whiskies aged for over 18 years within these legendary casks are all the more precious. Our blenders have carefully selected only the finest whiskies from this prized collection, and through their unparalleled craftsmanship have created the Yamazaki Mizunara 2017 Edition. Please enjoy its complex, Uniquely Japanese profile, and long-lingering finish. (This wooden box was created from recycled casks once used to age Suntory whisky.)

The Yamazaki Distillery, the birthplace of Japanese whisky, it located at the foor of Mt. Tennozan in the outskirts of Kyoto. Shinjiro Torii, Suntory's founder, opened it as the first Japanese malt whisky distillery in 1923. In aspiring to create a whisky that suited both the Japanese climate and culture, Suntory improved traditional technique through repeated innovations. Yamazaki, long famous for its water, is where Sen no Rikyu, the renowned 16th century tea master, built a teahouse. The rich natural environment with its seasonal colors and the warm dampness contribute to the creation of a mellow and delicate whisky. At Yamazaki Distillery, a wide variety of malt whiskies are produced through a diverse whisky making process unlike any otther. By using two types of fermentation tanks, pot stills of different shapes and sizes, and casks of different wood type, size, and history, the Yamazaki Distillery continues to expand every effort to provide the highest quality Suntory whisky.

THE YAMAZAKI MIZUNARA 2017 EDITION is composed of carefully selected Yamazaki malt whiskies aged in casks made from mizunara, or Japanese oak, an extremely rare tree, which imparts a dignified oriental flavor that confirms the immense value of these casks. A single malt whisky born through the passage of time. Please enjoy THE YAMAZAKI MIZUNARA 2017 EDITION.

Tasting Notes:

Color: Amber
Nose: A rich and elegant fragrace, Aloe wood, Cinnamon
Palate: A condensed sweetness, Silky texture, Dry Fruits, Coconut, Orange marmalade
Finish: A distinctive spiciness lingers with Japanese incense, Aloe Wood, Cinnamon, and Tartness

A Stone That Shines Through the Passage of Time: Mizunara Japanese Oak

The Japanese oak used for Yamazaki Distillery mizunara casks only grows in a few regions. Only trees that have grown perfectly straight are harvested, and they are far older than the woods used in other casks. 

During the post-war period, when materials were difficult to obtain, the distillery began making casks from mizunara, or Japanese oak. This wood leaks easily and is difficult to shape, which led to continual problems with wood selection and cask production. Because of this, the reputation of these casks was not always favorable; however, it was discovered that through long maturation, the wood imparts its unique characteristics to the whisky held inside. These Japanese oak barrels produce an oriental aroma colored with hints of aloe wood and sandalwood, a profile which has led to accolades of this whisky on a global scale.

THE YAMAZAKI MIZUNARA 2017 EDITION is composed of whiskies aged for eighteen years or longer within mizunara casks, a cask type numbering only a few among Suntory's thousands. This whisky is the pinnacle of mizunara-aged single malt whiskies.

Timeless Beauty, Timeless Value Design

The unique, gentle texture of the label used for THE YAMAZAKI MIZUNARA 2017 EDITION embodies Japan's traditional crafts. The label is made from Echizen washi, a Japanese paper with a history of approximately 1,500 years. The spirited Japanese paper designer, Horiki Eriko, who links tradition with the future, designed the label, which was then carefully crafted by artisans in Echizen. In order to capture the original deep expression of Japanese paper, it is made entirely from kozo, a hybrid mulberry used specifically for paper. The long fibers on the paper edges only appear when the pure kozo paper is torn by hand. The distinct thickness of this paper is produced by a traditional process in which the paper is dried on boards for an etended period of time. This is then embossed with the Japanese characters for Yamazaki, which have been executed in a bold, rounded calligraphic style and impart a sense of both richness and strength.

This wooden box is made of recycled casks once used to age Suntory whisky, thus allowing one to visually appreciate the lengthy time and craft of maturation which has led to the creation of THE YAMAZAKI MIZUNARA 2017 EDITION. Whisky was aged for a long period of time in these casks, a peaceful slumber which has imparted a unique beauty upon each individual box. We are happy to give new life to these casks which held our whiskies for so long, and in doing so share their magic with all.