Yamazaki: In the past 10 years, Mizunara-aged whisky has become something of a worldwide sensation, with distilleries far and wide clamouring for barrels made from the rare wood sourced from Japan.
A Quarter-Century in Elusive Mizunara Oak
In a major release that has whisky connoisseurs buzzing, The House of Suntory has unveiled its latest ultra-premium expression: Yamazaki 25 Years Old Mizunara, a single malt that has spent its entire aging cycle—25 years—in Mizunara oak casks.
Announced on August 7th, this bottling represents a historic milestone as the oldest 100% Mizunara-aged Yamazaki whisky ever released.
Often dubbed the “unicorn wood” of whisky maturation, Mizunara oak is prized for its scarcity and the complex, incense-like flavors it imparts—think sandalwood, spice, and exotic aromatics. Due to its rarity and porous nature, Mizunara is traditionally used in short-term finishing rather than full maturation, making Yamazaki’s latest release both bold and extraordinarily rare.
A Legacy of Japanese Craft Meets Global Prestige
The Yamazaki distillery, founded in 1923, holds the distinction of being Japan’s oldest commercial malt whisky operation. Suntory has been experimenting with Mizunara since the 1940s, though its usage has largely been limited to partial aging or finishing.
Legendary bottlings like the Yamazaki 55 Years Old have included Mizunara-aged components, but never before has the brand released a whisky of this age matured entirely in Mizunara oak.
Details, Pricing & Global Availability
The Yamazaki 25 Years Old Mizunara is bottled at 48% ABV (96 proof) and will be available in limited quantities across select global markets, including high-end retailers and luxury online platforms. The suggested retail price is $7,500 for a 700ml bottle, reflecting both its exclusivity and the craftsmanship behind it.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Spice and Fruit
An early tasting reveals a rich, spiced nose, beginning with seasoned wood, roasted malt, pine extract, and nutmeg oil. Cut fennel and stewed orchard fruits—apple, pear, and peach—add depth and sweetness, balancing the assertive spice profile with a fragrant and warming complexity unique to Mizunara aging.