Founded in 1923, Yamazaki is Japan’s first and oldest whisky distillery. In 1934, Suntory released its first blend, combining malt and grain whiskies from Yamazaki with Scottish malt. For decades, the company focused on these blends until it launched the first Yamazaki “Pure Malt” whisky, made entirely from 100% malt whiskies aged at least 12 years. The term “Pure Malt” had been widely used in the Scotch and Irish whiskey industries since the early 20th century. In 2004, Suntory phased out the “Pure Malt” label, renaming it simply The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky.
This Yamazaki 12 Year Old Pure Malt is a special release in a queen-sized 1000ml bottle, complete with its original box. Notably, it features a lion crest label – Suntory’s emblem used from 1984 to 1991, which is rarely seen today.