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

Manufacturer's Notes: 100th Anniversary Suntory Whisky

It Takes One Hundred Years

The House of Suntory first started experimenting with Mizunara wood as early as the 1940s. It is said that under the supervision of the First Generation Master Blender Shinjiro Torii and Second Generation Master Blender Keizo Saji, the blending team was challenged to find a Japanese oak that imparted similar qualities as the much-revered European and American oak casks, commonly used for whisky aging.

The Pioneering Spirit

The legendary Japanese Oak, Mizunara, is widely regarded as a difficult wood to master. Taking inspiration from the 2017 and 2022 Yamazaki Mizunara Collection, Fifth Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo is proud to present a limited edition fit for the Suntory Whisky centennial celebration and a tribute to all Yamazaki fans.

This centennial Yamazaki Mizunara Single Malt Whisky is 100% aged in Mizunara casks -- comprised of meticulously selected, long-matured malt whiskies all aged at least 18 years in Mizunara casks since new make spirit. The resulting blend showcases the rare, distinctive beauty of the Mizunara. Yamazaki 18 Years Old is truly the gift of craftsmanship from the hands of our past craftsmanship.

Tamed By Time

Their first tasting confirmed this fear -- the young whisky in the Mizunara cask seemed to be dominated by Mizunara flavor and aroma. Disappointed, but never despaired, their relentless pursuit to master the Mizunara had begun.

Through numerous experiments over decades, the team discovered that extended maturation through Japan's distinctive four seasons is needed for whiskies aged in Mizunara wood before it takes on the distinct spiciness and incense-like flavor of sandalwood and agarwood. Maturation was followed by artful, harmonious blending to mellow the force of the Mizunara character. Today, Mizunara is considered the signature "enhancer" of Yamazaki, providing the unique Japanese character and elegance for one of the most awarded Japanese single malts.

Austere and Grand

The white Echizen washi by artist Eriko Horiki honors not only the last century, but symboloizes the purity and possibilities of the next 100 years for Suntory Whisky. The regal white washi heightens the original black sumi calligraphy of "Yamazaki written by Second Generation Master Blender Keizo Saji himself. The colors of gold and silver are traditionally and often used for special occasions in Japanese culture. The stamps on the label represent the celebration of Suntory Whisky's milestone. They symbolize the ties to the past and the future, weaving the two together like the hands of the artisans who make our whisky.