Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:39 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the differences between Yamazaki 12 and Yamazaki 18 in this detailed comparison and determine the superior Japanese whisky for your preference!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Yamazaki 12 vs Yamazaki 18: Comparison
Yamazaki 12: Known for its smoothness and delicate sweetness, featuring apple, pear, and vanilla, with a light, creamy finish. Award-winning and uniquely matured.
Yamazaki 18: Offers elegance with dark fruit, caramel, and a touch of smoke. Rich, yet balanced, with an award-winning legacy. Matured in diverse casks for complexity.
Verdict: Both Yamazaki 12 and Yamazaki 18 embody the finesse of Japanese whisky-making. The 12-year-old appeals with its approachable sweetness and smooth finish, while the 18-year-old captivates with sophisticated complexity and subtlety. Each provides a distinct and memorable experience, showcasing the artistry of Yamazaki, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Yamazaki 12: A Smooth and Balanced Japanese Single Malt Whisky
- Similar to: Hakushu 12
The Yamazaki 12 year old is a highly sought-after Japanese single malt whisky known for its smooth taste and delicate sweetness.
Aromatic profile:
- Sweet and crisp: The nose opens with a refreshing sweetness and floral notes, complemented by hints of honey and a lingering oak scent.
Tasting experience:
- Remarkably smooth: Yamazaki 12 delivers a delightful and smooth mouthfeel, showcasing a blend of apple, pear, honey, and vanilla flavors.
- Layered complexity: Subtle nuances of cookie dough, oak, and a touch of smoke emerge, adding depth to the overall taste.
Finishing touches:
- Light and lingering: The finish leaves a lasting impression with sweet oak, vanilla, and a hint of smoke, concluding with a slight creaminess.
Beyond the sip:
- Award-Winning Whisky: Recognized for its quality, Yamazaki 12 received a Double Gold Medal at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Unique Maturation: This whisky benefits from aging in a combination of ex-Bourbon barrels, Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks, and rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks, contributing to its complex flavor profile.
- Mellow Character: From start to finish, Yamazaki 12 maintains a pleasant and easy-drinking experience with minimal burn.
A Worthy Choice?
While some may find the Yamazaki 12 priced on the higher end (around $100 suggested price), it remains a highly enjoyable and smooth single malt whisky. Its balanced sweetness, delicate fruit notes, and subtle smokiness make it a great choice for those seeking a refined and approachable Japanese whisky experience.
Yamazaki 18: A Smooth and Sophisticated Japanese Single Malt
- Similar to: Macallan 18
The Yamazaki 18 year old is a premium Japanese single malt whisky renowned for its elegance and smooth complexity.
Aromatic profile:
- Stone fruit and smoke: The nose greets you with a blend of stone fruit aromas, complemented by a subtle hint of smoke and notes of sweet malt and chocolate.
Tasting experience:
- Rich and balanced: Yamazaki 18 delivers a rich and flavorful palate, showcasing dark fruit, caramel, brown sugar, and a touch of ginger, all balanced by a surprisingly mild oak influence for an 18-year-aged whisky.
- Subtle smokiness: A delicate smoky note weaves throughout the taste profile, adding depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Finishing notes:
- Lingering sweetness and smoke: The finish leaves a lasting impression with hints of chocolate, ripe fruit, and a touch of lingering smoke.
Beyond the sip:
- Award-Winning Legacy: Yamazaki 18 boasts an impressive record, having received 5 Double Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and being named “Best Other Whisky” 3 times.
- Unique Cask Maturation: This whisky benefits from aging in a combination of American bourbon barrels, Spanish sherry casks, and rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks, renowned for imparting a characteristic sweetness.
- Sophisticated Smoothness: Yamazaki 18 offers a luxuriously smooth and well-integrated drinking experience. While some may find it lacking a single standout flavor, its overall balance and elegance create a truly sophisticated dram.
Is it worth the splurge?
Yamazaki 18 carries a premium price tag. While it’s undoubtedly a luxurious and smooth whisky, some may find the taste profile a bit too subtle for the cost. If you appreciate a well-balanced and sophisticated whisky experience with a touch of smokiness, Yamazaki 18 is a noteworthy choice. However, if you seek a whisky with bolder flavors or a more dramatic taste profile, you might explore other options.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Yamazaki 12 | $200 |
| Yamazaki 18 | $990 |