Single Malt Mizunara (((Bottled 2020)))
⏳ Drinking Window
As a premium distilled spirit, this bottling is fully matured and ready to be enjoyed immediately upon release, but it will remain in pristine condition indefinitely when stored upright and away from direct light.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
High-quality dark chocolate, slow-roasted duck breast, or seared Wagyu beef.
✨ Technical Specifications
Yamazaki, established in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii near Kyoto, is the birthplace of Japanese whisky. The 2020 Mizunara edition represents the pinnacle of Suntory's mastery over Japanese oak (Quercus crispula), a wood notoriously difficult to cooper due to its porous nature and tendency to leak. Historically embraced during World War II when European and American oak imports ceased, Mizunara wood requires meticulous craftsmanship and long aging periods to impart its legendary characteristics. This rare single malt showcases the profound influence of the local climate at the confluence of the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers, yielding a spirit defined by evocative notes of temple incense (kara), sandalwood, rich coconut, and dried fruit.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1923 by Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii with technical assistance from Masataka Taketsuru, Yamazaki is the pioneer and foundational benchmark of Japanese whisky. Situated southwest of Kyoto at the foot of Mount Tennozan, the distillery occupies a tranquil river valley where the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu rivers converge. This geographic setting engenders an enduring misty microclimate, significant seasonal temperature variations, and access to exceptionally pure, soft subterranean spring water historically lauded by tea master Sen no Rikyu. Uniquely engineered to function as a self-contained ecosystem of distinct styles, Yamazaki employs diverse fermenters alongside pot stills of varied shapes, sizes, and condensation configurations. Its maturation program is celebrated for its virtuosic wood management under Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, incorporating American oak ex-bourbon barrels, Spanish oak sherry butts, and rare indigenous Mizunara Japanese oak. The resulting single malts, led by the flagship 12, 18, and 25 Year Old expressions, are distinguished by sandalwood spice, dried fruit complexity, and aristocratic balance.