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  • Writer's picturelifeofandra

The Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve - Whisky Review

A Single Malt from the Yamazaki Distillery, the oldest Whisky distillery in Japan.

The Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve

Time for another dram!


I had the great chance to buy this little bottle from the Yamazaki Whisky Museum alongside a box of chocolates which paired quite well with it. The chocolates also had printed on all the stages of whisky-making which I thought was a great idea.

After trying The Yamazaki Limited Edition 2022, and The Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Single Malt, I wasn't really sure what to expect from the Distiller's Reserve.

The Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve

A bit about


Established in 1923, Yamazaki Distillery is the oldest malt distillery in Japan.

The Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve was launched in 2014, it has 43% ABV and is a No-Age-Statement Whisky.

The Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve

The Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve

Time to try it!


With sweet dried fruit and a bit of sandalwood and vanilla on the nose, it is highly promising. It honestly smells absolutely delicious.

Taste-wise it is verging on sweet and has an abundance of flavours. It feels smooth, it is slightly citrusy and a bit oaky with a hint of dried raspberries and peach.

The long finish is quite sweet, a bit spicy with a lot of vanilla and a bit of cinnamon.

The Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve

Pros and Cons


Priced around £70 in UK stores for a full-sized (70cl) bottle, I think it's more than worth the price. I can't really fault it.

The only downside I can see is that it's not as readily available to buy as others.

The Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve

In Conclusion


It is, in my humble opinion a delightful whisky to sip. I have tried it neat as usual, with a drop of cold water as well as with an ice cube and in all instances it was delicious. I don't dare use this whisky in any type of cocktail, not even an old-fashioned one because it's simply outstanding as it is.

It's certainly in my top 10 favourite whiskies to sip.

The Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve

If you've ever tried the Yamazaki Distiller's Edition please let me know what you think of it, in the comments below.

As always, please drink responsibly.

I hope life is treating you well.

Take care.


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