Yamazaki Smoky Batch

A Smoky Batch single malt from Yamazaki, founded by Suntory in 1923 in the Shimamoto valley of Osaka Prefecture where three rivers meet, Japan's first malt whisky distillery. The site draws on many still shapes and recipes, and this edition explores a smokier side of the house. It carries no age statement and is bottled for the Japanese market at 43%.

Matured in ex-Bourbon oak with a smoked element behind the batch name. Expect the distillery's vanilla and orchard fruit set against gentle bonfire smoke and a savoury, faintly vegetal note, the wood lending a clean, light spice. At 43% it remains soft and approachable, the smoke adding depth without weight. The finish is rounded and balanced, keeping faith with the layered house character that has made Yamazaki a benchmark single malt.