Yamazaki Distillers Reserve Whisky

Distillery Background and History

The Yamazaki Distillery was established in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii in Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture, as Japan’s first malt whisky distillery. It was founded with guidance from Masataka Taketsuru, who had studied in Scotland, and the site was chosen due to its ideal climate, water sources, and humidity. Over time, Yamazaki has become the flagship single malt label for Suntory and a pioneer of Japanese whisky, especially through its use of Mizunara oak and multi-cask maturation. 

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Suntory does not publicly designate a single “master distiller” specifically for the Distiller’s Reserve; rather, the blending team at Yamazaki maintains consistency and style across their range. Their philosophy is to combine younger whiskies matured in different casks (Bordeaux wine, sherry, Mizunara) to produce an approachable, layered single malt that hints at the more mature expressions. 

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

This whisky is a single malt—made from 100 % malted barley. The water is drawn from the springs and streams in the Yamazaki region, noted for purity and softness. Suntory uses proprietary yeast strains at its distilleries, selected to enhance fruity esters and subtle aromatic complexity. 

Distillation Process

Yamazaki uses copper pot stills of varied shapes to produce different spirit profiles. The Distiller’s Reserve components are distilled with precise cuts to retain esters and balance between heads, hearts, and tails. The different spirit characters from these stills are later married in the blend. 

Maturation & Cask Information

The Distiller’s Reserve is a No-Age-Statement (NAS) whisky. Its blend includes whiskies matured in Bordeaux wine casks, sherry casks, and Mizunara oak casks. These multiple cask influences help contribute red berry, oak, and oriental wood character. 

Tasting Notes

Nose: Strawberries, dried fruit, floral hints, sandalwood, coconut, light oak. 

Palate: Red berries, white peach, light spice, oak, honey. 

Finish: Vanilla, gentle oak spice, slightly dry but balanced. 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs nicely with sushi, grilled salmon, mild cheeses, dark chocolate, fruit tarts, or dishes with delicate flavor profiles so as not to overpower them. 

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Best served neat or with a few drops of water to open the aromatics. Use a Glencairn or tulip whisky glass. Ideal serving temperature is around 18-20 °C.

Storage and Aging Potential

Once bottled, Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve is stable; store upright in a cool, dark place (≈ 15-20 °C). Being an NAS whisky, it is not intended for additional aging in bottle.

Grain Type & Mash Bill

Single malt (100 % malted barley)

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

43 %