Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve

What it is

The entry point to Suntory's Yamazaki single malt range, launched in 2014 as age statements came under supply pressure. Bottled at 43% with no age statement, which is what allows Suntory to keep making it in volume when the 12 and 18 are rationed.

Where it comes from

Suntory confirms that Yamazaki meets the Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association labelling standard and that all exported Suntory whisky is 100% distilled, matured and bottled in Japan. No imported whisky. Being a single malt, everything in the bottle comes from Yamazaki.

How it's made

Yamazaki opened in 1923 near Kyoto, the first malt distillery in Japan, built by Shinjiro Torii with Masataka Taketsuru overseeing construction. It runs an unusually varied still house, with pot stills of different shapes and sizes, which gives blenders a wide spread of component whiskies before cask type comes into it. Distiller's Reserve draws on American oak, Spanish oak and Japanese mizunara, and Suntory has said it includes a portion of whisky matured in wine casks, which is what gives it the red fruit note the age statements don't have. Younger components sit forward.

What to expect

Brighter and fruitier than the 12. Cherry, strawberry and red fruit up front, then vanilla and a little mizunara spice, finishing short. It's less deep and less sherried than the aged Yamazakis and the wine cask influence is obvious once you know to look for it.

How it compares

Against Yamazaki 12, the Distiller's Reserve is younger, fruitier and considerably easier to buy. The 12 has more weight and a cleaner finish. Against Hakushu Distiller's Reserve, the same idea at Suntory's other malt distillery: Yamazaki red-fruited, Hakushu green and smoky. Against Hibiki Japanese Harmony, this is the single malt rather than the blend.