The House of Suntory has announced the global release of the oldest age bottle in its history, the Limited Edition Yamazaki 55.

The Yamazaki 55 expression celebrates the Japanese “Showa” era of the 1960s that represented a major period of change for the House of Suntory.

“Throughout the process of blending Yamazaki 55, I used as inspiration the passage of time and ‘Wabi-sabi’ – the Japanese belief that imperfections can help to ultimately contribute to perfection,” said Suntory 5th generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo.

“While I often view other extra-aged whiskies as art, I consider Yamazaki 55 to be more like a Buddhist statue: calm and mysterious, requiring time to truly enjoy the inner beauty.”

Suntory

Yamazaki 55 is a blend of precious single malts featuring components distilled in 1960 under the supervision of Suntory’s founder Shinjiro Torii, then aged in Mizunara casks in 1964 under Suntory’s Second Master Blender Keizo Saji, and then aged in White Oak casks. 

Yamazaki 55 Official Tasting Notes

Color: Deep amber distinctive of Mizunara casks.

Nose: A robust aroma redolent of sandalwood. A sweet, mature bouquet like well-ripened fruit.

Palate: A soft, smooth first sip that blossoms in the mouth with flavor. A mixture of sweet and slightly bitter, followed by a woody note from the Mizunara cask.

Finish: Slightly bitter. A fragrance like scented wood with a hint of smokiness. A sweet, rich, lingering finish.

Yamazaki 55 is bottled at 46.5% ABV and is presented in a crystal bottle with the word “Yamazaki” carefully engraved in calligraphy using the technique of sandblasting and featuring real gold dust and lacquer on the age marking. 

The bottle’s opening is wrapped in handmade Echizen washi paper and bound with a Kyo-kumihimo plaited cord, a traditional craft from Kyoto. Each bottle is delivered in a bespoke box made from native Japanese Mizunara wood and coated with Suruga lacquer.