I was not a whisky drinker before I came to Suntory Yamazaki Distillery. In fact, I knew nothing about whisky except for it’s strong distasteful alcohol flavor. I wanted to broaden my alcohol palette to enjoy whisky the way my friends did, and I was able to accomplish that here.

Founded by Shinjiro Torri, Suntory Yamazaki Distillery is the birthplace of Japanese whisky. Since water is a key factor in determining the quality of whisky, Torri selected to build his empire in Yamazaki due to its exquisite natural spring water “Rikyu no Mizu.” It still bubbles today.

A glimpse of the thousands of bottles that make up the whiskey library.

After fermentation, the wash is distilled twice through the pot still (pictured below) to collect the new make, a highly alcohol concentrated clear, colorless malt whisky.

For my first ever whisky tasting, I tried the Hibiki 17, Yamazaki 18, and Hakushu 18. My friend taught me how to hold the whisky in my mouth, grind it with my teeth and enjoy the smokiness that exudes. I think I had too much fun doing this that at times I would choke on the intense smokiness. 

Hibiki is a blend of pure single malt whiskies aged in a variety of casks to create one single harmonious orchestra of flavors and aromas. Yamazaki is known to be Suntory’s flagship single malt, multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara, a very rare Japanese oak, aroma. Hakashu is the herbal and gently smoky single malt from the untouched Mt. Kaikomagatake of the Southern Japan Alps. 

Tastings ranging from $15-$40 dependent on the blend and age. Tip: Yamazaki is located in between Osaka and Kyoto. When you’re on your way to Kyoto from Osaka, just make a pit stop for some whisky.

(Japan, 〒618-0001 Osaka Prefecture, Mishima District, 島本町山崎5−2−1)