If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Any whisky aged exclusively in Mizunara oak is exciting. And any whisky from Japan’s Yamazaki distillery is exciting. And (almost) any whisky aged 25 years is exciting. The new Yamazaki 25 Year Old Mizunara has all three, which means we were very, very excited to taste the ultra-rare release from House of Suntory. It did not disappoint — despite our lofty expectations.
House of Suntory
The headline from Yamazaki’s new single malt is that it’s the oldest 100% Mizunara-aged expression in Suntory’s history. That means all of it was aged at least a quarter of a century in Mizunara casks. This is a massive feat, as Mizunara oak is exceptionally delicate and porous, making it difficult to work with. Japanese distilleries began using the unique wood in the Forties, when access to American and European oak was cut off following World War II, but later realized that the wood has unique powers. Spirits aged in Mizunara casks for about 10 years or more take on a unique, complex profile of sandalwood, coconut, and incense that you can’t get from any other wood.
“A bold tribute to the artistry and innovation that define the House, this remarkable whisky celebrates two of its most iconic pillars: the revered Mizunara Japanese Oak and the pioneering spirit of Yamazaki,” says the brand, in a release.
We were lucky enough to get our hands on a sample of the Yamazaki 25 Year Old Mizunara. The nose features a balance of spice, sweetness, and oak with notes of apricot, nutmeg, and cedar, leading to a gorgeous palate of orange, cream, and intense, complex woodiness that you’ll only get from Mizunara oak.
The 25 Year Old Mizunara was released in limited quantities with a U.S. sticker price of $7,500, and it’s already selling for significantly more. If you can’t get your hands on a bottle, we also recommend checking out Yamazaki’s other offerings, including the 18 Year Old Mizunara or the 12 Year Old.
