We are honoured to present an exceptionally rare arrival. The Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 55 Years Old is now available for private acquisition. 

Since the birth of Japanese whisky in 1923, only an exceptional few casks have remained in perfect harmony after spending more than half of the industry’s century-long history maturing in oak.

The oldest single malt ever released by Suntory.

Private viewings and purchases are available exclusively by appointment at our Ginza flagship boutique. As the bottle is securely stored off-site, we kindly request that appointments be arranged in advance. To arrange an appointment, please send us a message via the contact form.

YAMAZAKI 55 YEARS OLD 

More than half a century in the making.
The pinnacle of Japanese whisky.

Few whiskies ever reach fifty-five years of maturation.

Fewer still emerge having retained the harmony, elegance and vitality required to become one of the defining expressions of Japanese whisky.

Yamazaki 55 Years Old stands as the oldest single malt ever released by Suntory. Created exclusively from meticulously selected Yamazaki malt whiskies matured for more than fifty-five years—including White Oak casks distilled in 1964 and Mizunara oak casks distilled in 1960—it represents a remarkable achievement in the distillery’s history.

Its story, however, is not defined by age alone.

For more than half a century, every cask was observed individually. As maturation progressed, casks were relocated to cooler warehouses to moderate ageing, while others were transferred to new casks to preserve their balance. Decade after decade, each decision was guided by patience rather than haste.

When whiskies reach such extraordinary maturity, no two casks evolve alike. Every one develops its own character, demanding exceptional precision from the blender.

Suntory’s Master Blender described the distinction with disarming simplicity:“

The 50-Year-Old and the 55-Year-Old are completely different.”

Not because of five additional years, but because those years transformed the whisky into something altogether rarer—deeper in aroma, greater in complexity, and remarkably composed.

The nose reveals the unmistakable character of long-aged Mizunara oak, unfolding with notes reminiscent of kyara and sandalwood. Gentle sweetness gives way to delicate bitterness and refined woody tones before an exceptionally long finish lingers with quiet persistence.. 

The same philosophy continues beyond the whisky itself.

Each crystal decanter is individually engraved with the calligraphic “Yamazaki” signature.

The numerals “55” are finished by hand with gold powder and traditional Japanese lacquer. Handmade Echizen washi embraces the neck, secured with a Kyoto kumihimo braid, before the bottle is presented in a bespoke Japanese Mizunara oak case finished with Suruga lacquer.

Only 200 bottles were released worldwide—100 for Japan in 2020, followed by 100 for international markets in 2021. The Japanese edition was further distinguished by the inclusion of an exclusive miniature bottle not found in the international release.

Originally introduced at JPY 3.3 million, Yamazaki 55 Years Old has since achieved auction results exceeding JPY 100 million, becoming one of the most coveted Japanese whiskies ever offered.

Yet its significance lies beyond rarity or value.

It embodies more than fifty-five years of careful stewardship, the judgement of generations of blenders, and the quiet refinement of Japanese craftsmanship.Within this single bottle resides not simply an exceptional whisky, but a chapter in the history of Japanese whisky itself.

IMAMI is honoured to present one of the rarest expressions ever created in the history of Japanese whisky.

Yamazaki 55 Years Old

Price: JPY 85,000,000 (tax included)

Private viewings and purchases are available exclusively by appointment at our Ginza flagship boutique. As the bottle is securely stored off-site, we kindly request that appointments be arranged in advance.

Please note that neither viewings nor purchases are available at our GinzaNovo Lotte Duty Free or Osaka Shinsaibashi boutiques.