Yamazaki 12 Year Old Watami Founder’s Choice
¥40,000
660 ml / 43%
Discover the rare Yamazaki 12 Year Old Watami Founder’s Choice, a Japan‑exclusive single malt crafted for the Watami Group. Featuring sherry‑cask‑led whisky, a unique 660ml bottle, and a distinctive profile compared with the standard Yamazaki 12, this limited release offers rich raisin notes, citrus brightness and a refined finish.
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Yamazaki 12 Year Old Watami Founder’s Choice Bottling Note
The Yamazaki 12 Year Old Watami Founder’s Choice is a single malt Japanese whisky produced at the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery in Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture. As Japan’s first malt whisky distillery, founded in 1923, Yamazaki is renowned for its diverse whisky production and its sophisticated maturation techniques.
This bottling was developed through a collaboration between Suntory and the Watami Group, a major Japanese restaurant and izakaya chain. Released in September 2007, it was offered exclusively within Watami Group venues and was never intended for general retail distribution. In Japan, izakaya often operate a “bottle‑keep” system, where customers store their purchased bottles for future visits; this whisky was designed specifically with that culture in mind. As such, it differs from the standard Yamazaki 12 Year Old and is positioned as a private, venue‑exclusive bottling.
The whisky uses malt whisky aged for at least 12 years and is bottled at 43% ABV. Its 660ml volume is unique to this release, contrasting with the standard 700ml Yamazaki 12 Year Old. While the regular Yamazaki 12 Year Old is vatted from multiple cask types—including sherry, mizunara (Japanese oak), and American oak—the Watami Founder’s Choice places sherry‑cask whisky at its core. This emphasis gives it a distinctive profile compared with the widely available standard bottling.
Although it showcases Yamazaki’s broad whisky design, its concept differs from the long‑aged Yamazaki Sherry Cask series. The Founder’s Choice remains an original, venue‑exclusive single malt created specifically for the Watami Group.
Overall, it offers a style centred on sherry‑cask fruitiness and gentle wood nuances, while maintaining the balanced character associated with Yamazaki. Its unique cask composition and 660ml format make it an intriguing comparison point against the standard Yamazaki 12 Year Old, and it holds a notable place in the history of Yamazaki’s private bottlings.
Yamazaki 12 Year Old Watami Founder’s Choice Tasting Note
Nose: A rich, mature aroma characteristic of sherry‑cask whisky. Luscious raisin notes lead, followed by a bright citrus accent reminiscent of lime. Light peat and a wafer‑like toasted nuance add further layers of complexity.
Palate: Juicy raisin sweetness and lime‑like acidity appear first, gradually giving way to a gentle cacao‑like bitterness. The mouthfeel is smooth and rounded, highlighting the depth of the sherry‑cask whisky.
Finish: Soft, subtly bitter, and elegantly sweet, with a long‑lasting and satisfying afterglow.
Overall: A harmonious expression that brings together raisin‑rich sherry influence, citrus brightness, and understated bitterness, all underpinned by Yamazaki’s signature balance. A distinctive and memorable variant within the Yamazaki 12 Year Old family.
| Weight | 2 kg |
|---|---|
| Name | Yamazaki 12 Year Old Watami Founder's Choice |
| Distillery/Brand | Yamazaki Distillery / Suntory |
| Classification | Japanese Whisky |
| Style | Single Malt |
| Region | Osaka, Japan |
| Origin | Japan |
| Age | 12 Year Old |
| Cask Type | Primarily Sherry Cask |
| Volume | 700 ml |
| Alcohol | 43% ABV |
| Released | First introduced in 2007 |
| Item Accessibility | Venue‑exclusive release for the Watami Group; not available through general retail |
Suntory, a pioneer in Japanese whisky, has built a global reputation for its exceptional spirits. Founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1899, the company has been dedicated to producing whisky that captures the essence of Japan.
Key to Suntory’s success are its distilleries: Yamazaki, known for its complex and elegant whiskies; Hakushu, producing fresh and clean spirits; and Chita, specializing in grain whisky. These distilleries, along with Suntory’s meticulous craftsmanship, have contributed to the creation of iconic brands like Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki.
Hibiki, a harmonious blend of Suntory’s finest whiskies, is celebrated for its balance and complexity. Beyond its core range, Suntory has produced a vast array of whiskies over the years, including limited editions and discontinued products.
While Suntory is renowned for its Japanese whiskies, the company also owns and operates several distilleries and brands worldwide, including those producing Scotch, American bourbon, Irish whiskey, and Canadian whisky. This global reach has solidified Suntory’s position as a major player in the international spirits industry.
From its humble beginnings to its status as a global whisky powerhouse, Suntory continues to captivate whisky enthusiasts with its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.
Discover the rich history and diverse range of Suntory whiskies in our ultimate guide.
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