Hunting for Yamazaki: The 12-Year Buyer’s Guide

There are few whisky brands from Japan as iconic as the Yamazaki 12-year-old. It’s a fruitier, more approachable single malt than Hakushu, Suntory’s other flagship 12-year expression.

Unfortunately, Suntory has had a difficult time keeping up with the intense demand. A lack of supply in the retail market has pushed prices continuously higher. Luckily, Suntory allocates plenty of whisky for on-premise (bars, restaurants). So by-the-glass prices are sometimes reasonable.

At the Yamazaki whiskey distillery, they have increased production. Additionally, some new whiskies have been released to mitigate the frenzy for premium, aged stocks.

However, twelve-year-aged whisky doesn’t happen overnight. 

2023 Yamazaki 12 Price

Yamazaki prices have steadily risen for years, but they still can be found for a reasonable amount. Diligent bargain hunters can find great retail deals now and then.

Currently, expect to pay between $150 and $250 for a 750 ml bottle.

My early 2023 take on Yamazaki 12 retail pricing:

• Outstanding Retail Price: $145 or less
• Median Price: $159-$199
• Overpriced: $199 or more

Where to Find: Retail, Bars, and Restaurants

If you’re visiting Japan, you may be able to find a better price. However, expectations should be tempered. Yamazaki 12 can be tricky to find even in Japan.

In North America, it definitely helps to begin your search for Yamazaki 12 online. There are a number of retailers offering delivery, depending upon your state’s laws. At a minimum, you’ll get a solid understanding of the range in pricing.

Wine shops and liquor stores are worth checking out. Costco can be another good option. In some states, you don’t need a membership to buy alcohol from their stores. Other large retailers that frequently carry Yamazaki 12 include Total Wine, BevMo!, Binny’s, and even Amazon.

Yamazaki 12 doesn’t cost as much as the 18-year, but price gouging still happens. This is where research and patience come in handy.

And if you’re striking out on a good deal, or maybe only want one glass of whisky, you’re in luck. Suntory ensures a solid supply of its spirits to on-premise (restaurants, bars) establishments. Yamazaki 12 is widely available, even in places that aren’t Japanese. The best deals can often be found at these types of places. As with the retail market, you’ll find a large range of menu prices.

Shop Online Retailers of the Yamazaki 12 Year (山崎12年)

If you want your own bottle of Yamazaki, check out these online retailers below. Prices will vary based on the retailer and your location. So make sure to shop around if you want to get the best deal.

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Collecting Yamazaki 12 Year

It’s common to wonder if the 12-year Yamazaki is a collectible whisky. My opinion is that it’s not. It is definitely desirable, but two primary factors keep its collectibility in check.

First, there is plenty of supply. Suntory has kept this whisky in stock during the all-time peak of demand.

And second, the wholesale price of Yamazaki 12 is low. Bar and retail shops don’t want you to know this. But depending on the market, the price is usually less than $90.

Suntory isn’t charging that much for Yamazaki 12. High prices for this single malt are due to high demand from consumers and retailers and restaurants taking advantage of this fact.

Is Yamazaki 12 Discontinued?

People often ask if Yamazaki 12 is discontinued. And the answer is no. Suntory has done a good job meeting the high demand for its classic single malts.

Yes, the Hakushu 12-year was briefly discontinued in some markets. And this, along with other high-profile whisky discontinuations, has sparked a lot of fear among Japanese whisky enthusiasts. But it’s likely that Yamazaki 12 is here to stay as a core Suntory whisky.

So don’t overpay for it, please.

Recommended Yamazaki Whisky Glasses

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The Yamazaki 12 Year Aged Product Information

Whisky Style: Single Malt (シングルモルト)

Ingredient: 100% malted barley    ABV: 43%

Barrel: mostly American Oak, some Mizunara oak

No color added   

The Yamazaki Distillery: Suntory サントリー

Distillery: Yamazaki Distillery
Location: Shimamoto, Osaka
EST: 1923
Official Site: English

The Yamazaki Distillery was the first whisky distillery in Japan. Today, it’s still the most famous. Its whiskies are probably the most sought-after of the Japanese whisky category.

A sense of terroir comes from their soft water and the humid, warm Osaka climate. The distillery currently makes a variety of single malt whiskies, all of which come highly recommended.

MORE ABOUT YAMAZAKI

Tasting Yamazaki at the Distillery and Whisky Museum

The Suntory Yamazaki Distillery (山崎蒸溜所) is one of the must-see destinations if you visit Kyoto or Osaka.

You can visit the Yamazaki whisky museum and tasting room free of charge.

They serve many different Suntory whiskies, including cask samples used for blending some of their most famous products. The prices for the pours are reasonable. Top-end whiskies like Yamazaki 25, Hibiki 30, and Hakushu 25 are available for around $30 (per 0.5 oz. pour). That’s a great deal!

The distillery has an impressive library of whiskies that will make you drool. If you’re interested in doing the Yamazaki distillery tour, you’re going to need some luck.

Here’s Yamazaki’s page where you can sign up to visit the museum and library*. Tours are hard to get but worth seeking out.

While in the area, be sure to check out the 100 famous water: Rikyu no Mizu (離宮の水). It’s a twenty minute walk from the distillery. The water is indeed delicious and the shrine is a special experience.

*The Yamazaki Distillery is temporarily closed to the public during the Covid pandemic.

Is Yamazaki 12 Year the Top Japanese Whisky?

Everyone has an opinion and I’d love to hear yours! Please share your thoughts on Yamazaki below by leaving a comment.