Three sources of oak are used to mature this blend of single malts, old red Bordeaux barriques, ex-sherry butts and native Mizunara casks. Yamazaki will undoubtedly bear the brunt of current difficulties facing the Japanese whisky sector, but the distillery is up for the challenge. As Motoyama says: “By promoting the craftsmanship and variety of malt whiskies produced at Yamazaki Distillery, and through the release of limited edition products, we hope to strengthen the value of the Yamazaki brand in Japan and globally, and establish it as the highest-quality single malt in the world.” Although this is the shorter of the two options, this tour offers whisky lovers a decent overview of the facility, where you can learn about the meticulous process behind whisky-making, view the casks used for ageing the spirit, and sample whiskies that aren't available on the commercial market. As a memento, you can take home an exclusive Yamazaki tasting glass.

Phone: 1300 308 833 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 9pm AEST; Saturday 9am - 9pm AEST; Sunday 10am - 8pm AEST) Yamazaki expanded Suntory’s whisky offering during the 1940s and the 1950s, but the next big change for the distillery came in 1961, when Torii’s son, Keizo Saji, became Suntory’s second president and Yamazaki’s second master blender. He oversaw the build of the Hakushu and Chita distilleries in the 1970s, paving the way for more experimental blends. Until the 1980s, whisky made at Yamazaki was bottled as Suntory blends, but Saji pioneered the distillery’s move into single malt whisky in 1984, with the launch of Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki. This was followed by Yamazaki 18 Years Old in 1992.According to Motoyama, the 1980s was one of the most important decades in the history of Yamazaki. “We take great pride in our innovative craftsmanship and the large variety of malt whiskies produced at Yamazaki Distillery, a rarity in the world of whiskies,” he says. “One example of our innovative spirit would be the aggressive investments conducted in the late 1980s to allow for greater and more various malt whisky production at Yamazaki Distillery.” Completed in 1989, this development allowed Yamazaki to create a variety of malt whisky styles using multiple stills designs. Nose: Classic Yamazaki strawberries and dried fruits with floral notes coming from the Mizunara cask whisky. Fragrant sandalwood and maybe coconut. Certainly a whisky where you could get lost in its nose!

Inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, Torii envisioned a Japanese approach by choosing a terrain and climate completely different to those of Scotland to create a unique kind of whisky. The Yamazaki Distillery is thus the birthplace of Japanese whisky. Nestled proudly on the periphery of Kyoto, this region was formerly referred to as "Minaseno", where one of the purest waters of Japan originates.Phone: 1300 366 084 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 9pm AEST; Saturday 9am - 9pm AEST; Sunday 10am - 8pm AEST) Our ume (plum) liqueur aged in toasted antique casks that were used to age whisky at the Yamazaki Distillery. Enjoy the elegant aroma, reminiscent of whisky and pleasant acerbic notes from the toasted casks. The moderate sweetness melds a distinctive flavor with well-rounded tones.

At the historic Yamazaki Whisky Museum, which has stood since the inception of the distillery, you can find exhibits showcasing the meticulous process behind the creation of one of the world’s most coveted Japanese whiskies. Phone: 1300 300 640 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 9pm AEST; Saturday 9am - 9pm AEST; Sunday 10am - 8pm AEST) The reinvigorated tasting lounge, on the other hand, is encircled by a vast array of original bottles. This particular spot is a haven for whisky aficionados. Here, you can savour not only the iconic Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki but also other exclusive whiskies available solely at this location. Photo: Suntory Holdings Distillery tours Enjoy Yamazaki Whisky Museum at your own pace * No viewing of the production process * No tour conducted by guide staff The balance is incredible and 'complex' doesn't quite cover it. Layered red fruit, dried raisin richness and spice that just keeps going.Suntory Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve whisky has been matured in Bordeaux wine casks and Sherry casks. There is also some malt matured in Mizunara casks (Japanese oak), adding some subtle oak notes. Flushed Away goes the Yamazaki prestige?