The House of Suntory has released its Yamazaki 25 Years Old Mizunara, the oldest fully Mizunara-aged expression in Yamazaki’s history. A tribute to the artistry and innovation that define the House, the whisky celebrates two of its most iconic pillars – the Mizunara Japanese Oak and the spirit of Yamazaki.
First embraced by The House of Suntory in the 1940s, Mizunara oak is known for its delicate grain and demanding nature. Whiskies must be aged for at least a decade for the wood to reveal its signature character – an intricate aroma woven with hints of sandalwood, coconut, and smoldering incense, resulting in whisky that is subtle, refined, yet complex.
Yamazaki 25 Years Old Mizunara is a rare and refined single malt aged exclusively in Mizunara oak casks. While previous expressions, such as Yamazaki 55 Years Old, featured partial Mizunara maturation, this release marks the oldest expression to be aged 100 per cent in Mizunara casks from Yamazaki.
To honor the rarity of this prized wood, it is encased in a handcrafted box, assembled using a traditional Japanese nail-free “locking” method. This new release presents a sweetness like apricot compote, cacao latte-like smoothness, and spiciness evoking nutmeg and cardamom on the nose; a bittersweet, spicy flavor with orange notes and nuances of cream on the palate; and a complex woodiness of Mizunara oak with bittersweet hints of oriental herbal medicine.
Bottled at 48% ABV, Yamazaki 25 Years Old Mizunara is available globally in select markets, both in stores and online, for a RRP $21,750. The new expression meets the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association’s criteria for authentic Japanese Whisky: 100 per cent distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan.
