Yamazaki 12 Year: Review & Price

a Japanese whiskey and a tasting glass

The Yamazaki 12 is the most famous Japanese whisky. But it’s getting harder to find and more expensive every year.

In this post, you’ll learn tips on finding the best deals. And you’ll also gain a more intimate knowledge of this whisky’s tasting notes and product information.

Finally, I provide food pairing and service suggestions that can improve your next Yamazaki 12 experience.

whisky skillfully poured into a glass
an ad for Yamazaki 12 stickers

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. 

Love Yamazaki? Check out my companion guide to Yamazaki 18 Year.

an infographic of Yamazaki 12-Year prices
The average US retail price of Yamazaki 12 rose steadily over the last decade. Get more Japanese whisky price stats here.

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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buy Yamazaki 12 near me

Compare Prices of Yamazaki 12 Year

A tasting glass and plain bottle of rare Yamazaki whisky.
The Yamazaki whisky blending sample of a 12 year, puncheon-aged, cask-strength whisky. This is the kind of stuff you can try at the Yamazaki Distillery tasting room. And it’s insanely cheap. Go there!

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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.

Hakushu is the sister whisky distillery to Yamazaki and produces some of the world’s finest single malts. Check out my complete guide to Hakushu 12 Year, the most popular Hakushu whisky.

a bottle of rare Japanese whiskey
Suntory 12 Year Pure Malt was eventually re-branded to become Yamazaki 12. The Suntory 12 Year Pure Malt IS a collectible whisky because it’s no longer made.
a Yamazaki Distillery print from Etsy

Yamazaki Distillery Art

By ForeshotsAndSaints

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The Yamazaki 12 Tasting Notes

The Yamazaki whiskies are known for their fruity and spicy nature.

Typically, there’s also only a faint hint of peat influence. Soft and smooth— these whiskies are easy to enjoy. The Yamazaki 12 year exemplifies these characteristics.

Twelve years (minimum) of cask aging has given this single malt a beautiful bronze color. It’s also aromatic, supple-textured, and very fruity. Specific tasting notes include apricot, golden apple, raspberry, lime zest, and raisin. Allspice, vanilla, and a faint touch of heather also show up. 

This single malt uses new American Oak, plus some Mizunara Japanese white oak– and the oak spice (vanilla, cinnamon, coconut, clove) shows through without dominating. There is a moderately rich malty profile with notes of peach and orange blossom.

Did I miss anything? Share your tasting notes or opinions at the bottom of this post.

A bottle of Suntory Yamazaki 12 Whiskey and a tasting glass.
A Glencairn glass is the best way to get the most out of your Yamazaki 12 tasting experience.

Yamazaki Whisky Food Pairings

Yamazaki whisky has a gentle, fruity nature and makes a great match with many types of food.

This is a great whisky for rich desserts like creme brulee, pecan pie, or anything smothered in ganache. Carmalized, spice (vanilla, cinnamon), and tropical fruit elements in desserts are going to harmonize with Yamazaki.

Yamazaki 12 Year is also outstanding with steak. This pairing works especially well with fatty cuts like ribeye and New York strip. Both black Angus and wagyu are excellent choices.  

Do you have a favorite Yamazaki food pairing? Share it with everyone by commenting at the bottom of this post.

Yamazaki 12 year bottle and black cod
Throwback to a Yamazaki 12 and miso-marinated black cod dinner in Seattle

How to Drink Yamazaki 12

There are a few reasonable ways to serve Yamazaki 12. Neat is the most popular method, with an optional splash of water. Adding an ice cube is a good idea for whisky stored at or above 70F.

A snifter or dedicated single malt glass will provide the best drinking experience. 

Yamazaki 12 Year Cocktails!?

It’s our belief that Yamazaki 12 can be used to make a great cocktail without angering the whisky gods. The 18-year is another matter, of course.

Yamazaki 12 makes an especially good Old Fashioned and Manhattan. There’s not a lot of competing elements, and what is used harmonizes with the whisky.

Another solid option is the whisky sour. This cocktail will hide the Yamazaki more than the first two, but it still works. Umeshu (plum wine) makes an awesome contribution to a sour in small doses.

The oyuwari is another delicious way to enjoy Yamazaki whisky. This shochu service technique involves adding hot water to whisky. Not only can it produce a soothing, warm experience, but the aromatics also get some lift. If it sounds like a reach, just remember that the Hot Toddy is a whisky cocktail classic.

A bottle of the Yamazaki single malt and a Riedel tasting glass.
The Yamazaki 12 is an aromatic and fruity malt. The Riedel Vinum Single Malt Glass (pictured) is a fine glass for tasting this premium Japanese whisky.

Recommended Yamazaki Whisky Glasses

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A bottle and tasting glass of Yamazaki 12 Year whiskey
This golden-colored whisky is aromatic, soft, and deeply fruity. But it also has just enough smokey, briny character to make it supremely complex. The Yamazaki 12 Year deserves its world-class reputation.

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

Three bottles of Japanese single malt whiskey at a tasting room.
A Yamazaki whisky tasting at the distillery. Pictured (left to right) are Yamazaki Single Malt NAS, Yamazaki 12 YR, and a 12-year aged cask-strength, puncheon cask barrel sample.

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.

a row of whisky bottles
The Yamazaki Whisky Library contains thousands of Suntory whisky bottles of different grains bills, stills, and ages

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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.

8 thoughts on “Yamazaki 12 Year: Review & Price”

  1. For my area I have recently purchased the 12 year for $149.99 on sale with the regular tag @ $169.99. I have seen many bottle online for $189.99 with average in store locally $170-180 range, enjoy ✌️❤️🇺🇸

    1. Hi Skip,

      You’re spot on. The price of Yamazaki 12, and the other big names, has gone up so much recently. A year ago I bought a Yamazaki 12 year for $150 with tax and shipping from New York to Seattle. There are still some places listed on Wine-Searcher selling at that price. But for the most part, the average is around $175-$200 for most of the country.

      Time to update my article!

      Thank you,
      Brad

      1. Where can I find Yamazaki 12 year single malt for that price? I need a supply for my restaurant and can’t find it for less than a lot more.

        1. Hi Mark,

          Unfortunately, the price of Yamazaki 12 keeps rising fast. I wrote this post a year ago, and the average price has gone up at least 60% (now around $200). Your local distributor may have the best price. But that depends on where you live. And you may need to agree to push other Beam-Suntory products like Suntory Toki. Definitely reach out to them, if you haven’t already.

          Also, check out Wine-Searcher’s Yamazaki 12 listings. Some retailers there are selling it for about $150. However, that doesn’t include tax. And shipping isn’t included either.

          Suntory recently announced they’ll be raising the price of Yamazaki 12 and a bunch of their other whiskies. So it’s only going to get worse. My advice is to find the best price you can and just go for it. Customers will get used to the higher prices. And higher prices mean higher profits for you. Look for other solid Japanese whiskies to fill in the lower price points. Mars Iwai Tradition for example.

          Hope this helps and good luck!
          Brad

          1. Hi George,

            I’m in the Pacific Northwest of the US. But this is just my personal blog and retail site. I may be able to help you rehome your Tamazakaki 12. Where are you located?

            Thanks,
            Brad

  2. During November 2023, Yamazaki 12 started arriving again at a large chain liquor store in the Houston, Texas area for just under $180 (5% discount if paying with cash). I was able to get a bottle a few months ago for $155, but its an allocated whisky, so few and far between. Now this same store (where I originally purchased for $155) has quoted me $173 if they are able to get any in. I found another liquor store that claimed to have several bottles priced at $250. I told him that was the highest price in the area, which might explain why he has so many bottles available. Other stores have quoted me in excess of $200 when its available, but these are the smaller boutique stores.
    I was happy to find it at under $180.

  3. Hee hee I used to buy this for around 60 bucks or so. How I wish it had never won that award!

    Thanks for this. I always wondered where my beloved Yamazaki disappeared to.

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