{"product_id":"yamazaki-12-year","title":"The Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky — Suntory Flagship, 43% ABV","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.mw-master-container{\n  --mw-accent: #A98664;   \/* metallic foil  *\/\n  --mw-glow:   #BD4302;   \/* power color    *\/\n  --mw-bg:     #1B110A;   \/* deep lowlight  *\/\n  --mw-text:#e0e0e0; --mw-muted:#a89a85; --mw-hair:#2c1d12;\n  font-family: inherit; background:var(--mw-bg); color:var(--mw-text);\n  line-height:1.7; padding:24px; margin-bottom:60px;\n}\n.mw-master-container .mw-h3{ color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; text-transform:uppercase;\n  font-size:0.9rem; letter-spacing:2px; margin-top:40px; display:block;\n  border-bottom:1px solid var(--mw-glow); padding-bottom:8px; margin-bottom:20px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-accent{ color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; text-decoration:none; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-accent:hover{ color:#fff; text-decoration:underline; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-info-box{ background:linear-gradient(90deg, var(--mw-bg) 0%, var(--mw-glow) 100%);\n  padding:25px; margin:25px 0; border-radius:0 4px 4px 0; border:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  border-left:4px solid var(--mw-accent); }\n.mw-master-container .mw-grid{ display:grid; grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr; gap:30px; margin:30px 0; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-card{ background:rgba(255,255,255,0.02); padding:25px;\n  border:1px solid var(--mw-glow); border-radius:4px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table{ width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; margin-top:15px; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table td{ padding:14px 0; border-bottom:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  color:#ccc; font-size:0.95rem; }\n.mw-master-container .mw-table td:first-child{ font-weight:bold; width:38%; color:var(--mw-accent);\n  text-transform:uppercase; font-size:0.75rem; letter-spacing:1px; }\n.mw-master-container details{ background:rgba(255,255,255,0.03); border:1px solid var(--mw-hair);\n  border-radius:4px; margin-bottom:15px; }\n.mw-master-container summary{ padding:18px; color:var(--mw-accent); font-weight:bold; cursor:pointer;\n  outline:none; list-style:none; display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center;\n  text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px; font-size:0.85rem; }\n.mw-master-container summary::after{ content:'+'; font-size:1.2rem; }\n.mw-master-container details[open]{ border:1px solid var(--mw-accent); }\n.mw-master-container details[open] summary::after{ content:'-'; }\n.mw-master-container .details-content{ padding:0 20px 20px 20px; font-size:0.95rem; }\n@media (max-width:768px){ .mw-master-container .mw-grid{ grid-template-columns:1fr; } }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"mw-master-container\"\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"speakable\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe Yamazaki 12 Year is the original single malt from Suntory's Yamazaki Distillery, the first and oldest malt whisky distillery in Japan, and the line's benchmark age statement. A Japanese single malt bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof), it is matured for twelve years in a combination of American ex-bourbon oak, Spanish Oloroso sherry, and Japanese Mizunara oak. That blend gives it a fruit-forward character: peach, pineapple, and grapefruit, with candied orange and vanilla, and the clove-and-sandalwood signature that Mizunara oak lends. Pure gold in the glass, it carries coconut, cranberry, and butter on the palate, with honeyed sweetness and gentle spice, and a long, sweet finish of ginger and cinnamon. It is the younger, lighter counterpart to the Yamazaki 18, and one of the most allocated Japanese whiskies released.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eThe Elemental Distinction\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"mw-info-box\"\u003e\n    \u003cul style=\"margin:0; padding-left:20px; font-size:0.95rem;\"\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eThe original Yamazaki single malt, launched in 1984 — the benchmark age statement of the line.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eAged 12 years and bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof).\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eA balanced three-cask blend: American ex-bourbon oak, Spanish Oloroso sherry, and rare Japanese Mizunara oak.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eFruit-forward and layered — peach, pineapple, grapefruit, coconut, and the sandalwood signature of Mizunara.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eFrom Yamazaki, Japan's first and oldest malt distillery (1923); meets the JSLMA Japanese-whisky standard. 700 ml as labeled.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"mw-grid\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"mw-card\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"mw-accent\" style=\"font-size:0.75rem; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px;\"\u003eSensory Profile\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:20px; font-size:0.9rem;\" class=\"speakable\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peach, pineapple, and grapefruit, with candied orange, vanilla, and the clove and sandalwood of Mizunara oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp style=\"margin-top:10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coconut, cranberry, and butter, with honeyed sweetness and gentle spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp style=\"margin-top:10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and sweet, with ginger and cinnamon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"mw-card\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"mw-accent\" style=\"font-size:0.75rem; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:1px;\"\u003eStrategic Position\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"font-size:0.90rem; margin-top:20px;\"\u003eThe benchmark age statement and the lighter counterpart to \u003ca href=\"\/products\/yamazaki-18-year\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe older 18-year expression\u003c\/a\u003e. Browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/japanese-whisky\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe rest of our Japanese whisky\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/whisky\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe broader whisky selection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003ctable class=\"mw-table\" style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand \/ Producer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe Yamazaki (Suntory) — the original single malt, launched 1984\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDistillery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYamazaki Distillery, Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture, Japan — founded 1923, the oldest in Japan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCategory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJapanese Single Malt Whisky (100% malted barley, pot-distilled)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCask Types\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmerican ex-bourbon oak, Spanish Oloroso sherry, and Japanese Mizunara oak\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eABV \/ Proof\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e43% ABV (86 proof)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAge Statement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePure gold\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottle Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e700 ml (70cl) as labeled — confirm 700 ml vs 750 ml for the US SKU\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJapan (Osaka Prefecture)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePosition In Line\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe benchmark age statement — the younger expression below the 18 Year\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n        \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMeets the JSLMA Japanese-whisky labeling standard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eCollector Note\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003eThe Yamazaki 12 is where the modern Japanese single-malt story begins. Launched in 1984, it was the original Yamazaki expression and remains the line's benchmark age statement — the bottle most drinkers meet first. Suntory's Yamazaki Distillery opened in 1923 on the outskirts of Kyoto, on a site Shinjiro Torii chose for its pure water and its long association with the Japanese tea ceremony, where the tea master Sen no Rikyu once worked. The 12 Year draws its character from three woods — American ex-bourbon oak for fruit and vanilla, Spanish Oloroso sherry for depth, and a measure of scarce Japanese Mizunara oak for the sandalwood and incense that has become the distillery's signature. Aged Japanese whisky has grown genuinely scarce, and the 12 is among the most allocated releases on the market. As the foundation of any Japanese-whisky shelf and the natural partner to the 18 Year, it is a collectible cornerstone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eRecommended Serving\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003ePour it neat in a tulip glass to read the fruit and the Mizunara spice, then add a few drops of water to open the aromatics further. The 12 is also the Yamazaki most at home in a Japanese highball — over ice, topped with chilled sparkling water and a twist — which keeps the peach and citrus bright for an aperitif. At 43% it takes a single cube of ice comfortably; just avoid drowning the gentle spice that the cask blend builds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eProduction Methodology\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003eYamazaki is a single malt: made entirely from malted barley and pot-distilled at one distillery, founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923 in Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture, where a humid climate and the pure water at the meeting of three rivers suit maturation. The 12 Year is matured for twelve years across three cask types and married together: American ex-bourbon oak brings fruit, vanilla, and coconut; Spanish Oloroso sherry casks add dried and dark fruit; and a portion of Japanese Mizunara oak — a scarce, demanding wood that asks for trees two centuries old — lends sandalwood, incense, and Japanese spice. It is bottled at 43% ABV. The bottle meets the Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association standard for labeling Japanese whisky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eAuthentication \u0026amp; Vault Preservation\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003eMidnight Whiskey is an authorized retailer; every bottle is sold in its original packaging and inspected before it ships. Orders are double-boxed with protective padding and dispatched with temperature-aware handling. Delivery requires an adult signature: the recipient must be 21 or older and present valid government-issued photo ID. For how we verify and grade what we sell, see \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/authentication\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003eour authentication standards\u003c\/a\u003e; for white-glove acquisition and storage, see \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/vault-concierge\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003ethe Vault Concierge\u003c\/a\u003e; and for how we source and vet listings, see \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/editorial-standards\" class=\"mw-accent\"\u003eour editorial sourcing standards\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"details-content\"\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"font-weight:bold; margin-top:0;\"\u003eHow is the Yamazaki 12 different from the 18?\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe 12 is the younger, lighter expression, matured twelve years in a balance of American oak, Spanish sherry, and Japanese Mizunara, with a fruit-forward profile of peach, citrus, coconut, and vanilla. The 18 is older and deeper, matured mainly in sherry oak for dried fruit and dark chocolate. The 12 is the original Yamazaki, launched in 1984.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"font-weight:bold; margin-top:18px;\"\u003eIs the Yamazaki 12 a good introduction to Japanese whisky?\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eYes. As the original Yamazaki single malt and the line's benchmark age statement, the 12 is approachable and fruit-forward while still showing the Mizunara oak character that defines the distillery. It is bottled at 43% ABV and is best enjoyed neat or with a little water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Product\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/yamazaki-12-year#product\",\n      \"name\": \"The Yamazaki 12 Year Single Malt Whisky\",\n      \"image\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/[PLACEHOLDER_IMAGE_PATH]\/yamazaki-12-year.jpg\",\n      \"description\": \"The Yamazaki 12 Year is the original single malt from Suntory's Yamazaki Distillery, the oldest malt whisky distillery in Japan, launched in 1984. A Japanese single malt bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof), it is matured for 12 years in a combination of American ex-bourbon oak, Spanish Oloroso sherry, and Japanese Mizunara oak. Pure gold, it shows peach, pineapple, grapefruit, candied orange, vanilla, coconut, and the clove and sandalwood of Mizunara, with a long, sweet, gently spiced finish.\",\n      \"sku\": \"[PLACEHOLDER_SKU]\",\n      \"mpn\": \"[PLACEHOLDER_MPN]\",\n      \"brand\": { \"@type\": \"Brand\", \"name\": \"The Yamazaki\" },\n      \"manufacturer\": { \"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Suntory\" },\n      \"category\": \"Japanese Single Malt Whisky\",\n      \"offers\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Offer\",\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/yamazaki-12-year#offer\",\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/yamazaki-12-year\",\n        \"priceCurrency\": \"USD\",\n        \"price\": \"[PLACEHOLDER_PRICE]\",\n        \"availability\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/LimitedAvailability\",\n        \"itemCondition\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition\",\n        \"seller\": { \"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Midnight Whiskey\" }\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/yamazaki-12-year#breadcrumb\",\n      \"itemListElement\": [\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\" },\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Japanese Whisky\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/collections\/japanese-whisky\" },\n        { \"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Yamazaki 12 Year\" }\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/products\/yamazaki-12-year#faq\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"How is the Yamazaki 12 different from the 18?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The 12 is the younger, lighter expression, matured twelve years in a balance of American oak, Spanish sherry, and Japanese Mizunara, with a fruit-forward profile of peach, citrus, coconut, and vanilla. 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