Eighteen years of maturation bring dried fruit, dark chocolate and the quiet depth of Mizunara oak into a single malt of remarkable complexity.

The Yamazaki 18 Years Old is a Japanese single malt from Suntory’s Yamazaki Distillery, built around malt whiskies aged for at least 18 years, with Spanish oak playing a central role.

Raisin, apricot and dark chocolate meet honeyed sweetness and spice, while long-aged Mizunara cask whisky adds another layer of distinctly Japanese complexity.

Yamazaki Distillery｜The birthplace of Japanese malt whisky

Yamazaki Distillery was established by Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii in 1923 as Japan’s first malt whisky distillery.

Located between Kyoto and Osaka, Yamazaki has long been known for its abundant water and humid climate, conditions that helped shape Suntory’s approach to whisky maturation.

By varying fermentation, distillation and cask types, the distillery produces a remarkably broad range of malt whiskies. Their careful combination is central to the layered character of Yamazaki single malt.

Aged 18 years and more, with Spanish oak at the core

The heart of Yamazaki 18 is malt whisky aged for at least 18 years, with Spanish oak casks playing a central role.

Extended maturation in Spanish oak contributes rich dried-fruit character and deep chocolate-like notes.

With time, the whisky gains the density, rounded texture and complex mature aromas that distinguish it from younger expressions in the Yamazaki range.

Long-aged Mizunara adds Japanese depth

Alongside Spanish oak, Yamazaki 18 also contains long-aged whisky matured in Mizunara, Japan’s native oak.

Mizunara is known for developing distinctive aromas often compared with sandalwood, incense and other fragrant woods after long maturation.

Its contribution is not intended to dominate the whisky. Instead, it adds depth and an unmistakably Japanese aromatic dimension beneath the rich fruit and chocolate character of the Spanish oak.

Raisin, apricot and dark chocolate

The whisky shows a deep amber color.

Suntory’s official tasting notes describe aromas of raisin, apricot, café au lait and Mizunara oak, followed on the palate by blackberry, strawberry jam and dark chocolate.

The finish is long, spicy and smooth, allowing the mature fruit, oak and bittersweet chocolate character to remain well after the sip.

43% ABV and a full-bodied mature style

Yamazaki 18 is bottled at 43% ABV in a 700 ml format.

Despite the rounded texture created by extended maturation, it retains substantial weight and depth.

Neat, the mature fruit and cask character are most concentrated. A small amount of water can reveal additional layers of fruit, spice and fragrant wood.

Supreme Champion Spirit at the ISC 2025

At the 2025 International Spirits Challenge, Yamazaki 18 won the Japanese whisky Trophy and went on to receive Supreme Champion Spirit, awarded to the single standout spirit among all Trophy winners.

This followed Supreme Champion wins for Yamazaki 25 in 2023 and Yamazaki 12 in 2024, making Yamazaki the first brand in ISC history to achieve the distinction for three consecutive years, according to Suntory.

In 2026, Yamazaki 18 was also named Best Japanese Single Malt Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards.

Yamazaki 18 vs Yamazaki 25｜Fruit and chocolate versus deeper oak complexity

Yamazaki 18 and Yamazaki 25 express different stages of long maturation.

Yamazaki 18 places rich dried fruit and chocolate from Spanish oak at the center, with Mizunara adding aromatic depth.

By contrast, Yamazaki 25 Years Old combines whiskies aged for at least 25 years in Mizunara, Spanish and American oak, creating a still deeper profile of fragrant wood, spice and extended finish.

The Yamazaki 18 Years Old

Japan｜Yamazaki Distillery｜Suntory｜Single Malt Japanese Whisky｜Aged 18 Years and More｜Spanish Oak at the Core｜Long-Aged Mizunara Components｜Malt｜700ml｜43% ABV

Built around malt whiskies aged for at least 18 years, Yamazaki 18 combines the dried-fruit and chocolate richness of Spanish oak with the subtle aromatic depth of long-aged Mizunara. Raisin, apricot, honey, spice and dark chocolate unfold across a long, mature finish.

Available at IMAMI

IMAMI offers Yamazaki 18 Years Old alongside rare Japanese whisky, wine and sake. For current availability, please visit IMAMI Ginza, IMAMI Shinsaibashi, or contact us.

Please note that availability of rare bottles may change without notice.