Introducing the flow of the manufacturing process We will explain the flow of the malt whiskey manufacturing process using videos and whiskey ingredients. 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 Phone: 1300 308 833 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 9pm AEST; Saturday 9am - 9pm AEST; Sunday 10am - 8pm AEST) 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.

After a period of renovations, the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery in Osaka prefecture is ready to welcome visitors again from November 1 – just in time to celebrate 100 years since Suntory's founder, Shinjiro Torii, began his whisky enterprise in Yamazaki. With the latest revamp, you can now delve into the unique allure of the Yamazaki Distillery through an enriched exhibition and tour experience. Photo: Suntory Holdings The whisky museum and tasting lounge 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. Visit "The story of the early days in business" exhibit Various exhibits allow you to experience the path Suntory Whisky has taken since the time of Suntory's founding. Enjoy Yamazaki Whisky Museum at your own pace * No viewing of the production process * No tour conducted by guide staffPhone: 1300 300 640 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 9pm AEST; Saturday 9am - 9pm AEST; Sunday 10am - 8pm AEST) Suntory’s renowned Yamazaki Distillery has long been a pioneering force in Japanese whisky, but its story has only just begun. The whisky industry is booming with NAS products (non age statement) so two of Suntory’s malt distilleries, Yamazaki and Hakushu decided to jump on the NAS wagon by releasing Distiller’s Reserve whiskies without age statement. Released in the spring of 2014, I finally got my hands on Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve. Well, I can’t say I was too keen on trying out another new NAS whisky release by a big whisky distillery, but then again, they make great drams in Japan. This can’t be below average, can it? Our original ume (plum) liqueur that has been matured over time in toasted casks is then finished with whisky aged in plum liqueur barrels. Enjoy the rich aroma of vanilla and the mellow, lingering aftertaste that arises from the toasted casks.

Established by Shinjiro Torii, founder of Japanese drinks group Suntory, Yamazaki became Japan’s first whisky distillery in 1923. It is located at the foot of Mt. Tenno in the rural town of Yamazaki, in Shimamoto, Osaka, where the Katsura, Uji and Kizu rivers converge. The area is famed for its misty climate and soft waters – so much so that Sen no Rikyu, master of the Japanese tea ceremony, set up his teahouse in Yamazaki. According to Suntory, Torii was inspired by the traditions of Scotch whisky but sought a point of difference by building his distillery in a uniquely Japanese terrain.The balance is incredible and 'complex' doesn't quite cover it. Layered red fruit, dried raisin richness and spice that just keeps going. 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.” 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. Enjoy whisky at the tasting lounge (paid) In addition to whiskies from around the world, you can enjoy rare whiskies and limited editions.

Three sources of oak are used to mature this blend of single malts, old red Bordeaux barriques, ex-sherry butts and native Mizunara casks. Buy souvenirs at the shop At the Yamazaki distillery gift shop, we offer various products made of materials of the maturation barrels. The berry and jammy notes are good, there is lots of potential. But this whisky isn’t mature enough. Don’t get me wrong, this is not just common attitude against NAS whiskies. There are lots of good ones out there. This Yamazaki just isn’t good enough. Feels like they should’ve matured it a bit longer. I have to use Flushed Away as the reference, because it’s a good movie, but like the title says: there’s little bit of that going down the gutter feel, when releasing an incomplete NAS whisky. Feels like Yamazaki was in a hurry, trying to get its share from the NAS market. Flushed Away suits well for reference also because of the fact that Rita’s boat was named the Jammy Dodger. This whisky does have some nice jammy notes. Should I say “Running down the gutter with a piece of bread and jam butter”? Keizo Saji pioneers Yamazaki’s move into single malt whisky, releasing Suntory Single Malt Whisky YamazakiSuntory 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? Visit "The story of craftsmen, heritage & innovation" exhibit We introduce our dedication to whisky-making of Yamazaki Distillery, the oldest malt whisky distillery in Japan, and the little-known story of how the single malt whisky "Yamazaki" came to be.

Go a step further with exclusive access to areas reserved for the Prestige tour, where you’ll be able to view the whisky production area and see the artisans at work. Tastings include the luxurious Yamazaki 12 Years and other rare malt whiskies. Photo: Suntory Holdings Despite this focus on NAS single malt, Shinji Fukuyo, chief blender at Suntory, says age is still an “important factor” to determine whisky’s value. But, he adds: “I believe the Distiller’s Reserve showed the value of whisky is not determined only by maturation periods. I hope it opened the consumer’s eyes for new value in whisky. We would like to continue pursuing both the value of ‘ageing time’ and other factors.”

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!