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Yamazaki launches Tsukuriwake collection
By Tempus | 25 July 2022 | Lifestyle
The iconic Japanese whisky brand has rounded up four of its rarest — and finest — Yamazaki varieties into one intriguing, delectable package
The House of Suntory, Japan's world-famous distilling brand, has announced the release of a remarkable new collection comprised of limited edition varities of their flagship Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky, dubbed the 2022 Yamazaki Limited Edition Tsukuriwake Selection.
According to the brand, the word tsukuriwake roughly translates to “artisanship through a diversity of making” — a key tenet of Yamazaki Single Malt's distilling process since its launch in 1984.
The four rare, unique varities that make up the tsukuriwake collection are the Puncheon, Peated Malt, Spanish Oak and Mizunara editions, each with a strikingly distinct flavour profile.
As the House notes: "Innovation in Japanese Whisky is known to occur at the back end — in maturation or blending — but few understand the diversity of the whisky components that it takes to achieve this depth and gravitas."
“What excited me most about this launch is that just one year before the 100th anniversary of Suntory Whisky, we can finally share the full story behind our Tsukuriwake way of whisky making, which was born from the Founding House of Japanese Whisky,” says Suntory’s Fifth-Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo.
“The 2022 Yamazaki Limited Edition Tsukuriwake Selection honours the fact that greatness comes from diversity. And in doing so, we unveil what truly makes Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky the authority of Japanese Whisky.”
Here, Tempus takes a look at the four varities that make up this remarkable collection.
Yamazaki Puncheon
The Yamazaki Puncheon Single Malt Whisky is comprised of meticulously selected malts aged exclusively in puncheons crafted by Suntory artisans from hand selected American oak. With a capacity of approximately 480 litres, these large casks allow malt whiskies to mature slowly, imbuing them with a complexity and vibrance. The Puncheon cask malt whiskies impart their subtle notes essential to the delicate base of the Yamazaki Single Malt.
Yamazaki Peated Malt
The Yamazaki Peated Malt is centred on heavily peated malted barley that is masterfully blended to create the quintessential YamazakiPeated Malt that is gentle and refined. The Peated malt whiskies impart their subtly smoky, earthy notes on the Yamazaki.
Yamazaki Spanish Oak
The Spanish Oak is considered the depth-enhancer of the group, giving Yamazaki its quintessential multi-layered full flavor with mature fruity notes. The Yamazaki Spanish Oak is matured in the highest quality oak casks originating from Northern Spain, giving the liquid a delicately rich and decadent profile with subtle acidity and fruity aromas.
Yamazaki Mizunara
Mizunara is a species of oak native to Japan, and comes with a hefty reputation. It is tight-grained and difficult to work with, often taking years to impart its flavours to the liquid housed within. However, to those patient enough to let it work its magic, it offers a rare, distinctive beauty that cannot be found in other premium whiskies.
Initially released in Japan in 2020, the 2022 Yamazaki Limited Edition Tsukuriwake Selection will be available from 13th June in the UK.