Yamazaki 55 Year Old Whiskey: A Rare Japanese Treasure

The Yamazaki 55 Year Old Whiskey is a highly coveted, limited-edition spirit from Japan's esteemed Yamazaki Distillery. 

With only a few hundred bottles released, it is the crown jewel of the house of Beam Suntory. 

Wondering if this exquisite spirit will deliver on the experience it promises? 

How will it fare as an investment option?

In this article, you’ll discover the aging technique and unique characteristics that place the ​​Yamazaki 55 Year Old Whiskey at the forefront of the Japanese whisky industry. 

You’ll also find out how this remarkable Suntory whisky performs as an investment, and how to invest in it through Whiskeyvest.

Unique Aspects of the Yamazaki 55 Year Old Whiskey

While other Yamazaki whisky releases, such as the 18 Year Old and 25 Year Old expressions, have received international recognition and multiple awards, the 55 Year Old Whiskey surpasses them in depth and complexity. 

Collectors and enthusiasts have taken notice of the exclusive release. This has drawn attention to other Yamazaki whiskey bottles and other Japanese distilleries as well.

Its unique design and other factors add to its appeal as well:

• Bottle design and label: Yamazaki 55’s crystal bottle, adorned with lacquer (Suruga lacquer, to be specific), showcases the beautiful deep amber distinctive of Mizunara cask (made of native Japanese Mizunara wood.) 

The label, made of handmade Echizen washi paper, represents Japan's centuries-old papermaking tradition. The bottle is further embellished with a Kyo Kumihimo plaited cord, a nod to the intricate traditional craft of Japanese braiding.

• Rarity and Price: The rarity of the Yamazaki 55 Year Old Whiskey — with only a few hundred bottles produced — is the key factor contributing to its high price. A 750ml bottle of Yamazaki 55 Years Old Whiskey will cost you around $915,950.

• The White Oak Initiative: Central to the production of Yamazaki 55 Year Old Whiskey is Beam Suntory's contribution to the White Oak Initiative. With every sale of the premium Suntory whisky, Beam Suntory has committed to donating $5000 to conserve American white oak forests. 

The White Oak Initiative aims to ensure a sustainable supply of this precious resource, which is crucial to crafting the distinctive white oak casks used in whiskey and wine production.

Yamazaki 55 Year Old Whiskey: Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile

Boasting a rich and complex flavor profile, it reveals an elegant dance of fragrant sandal wood, sweet dried fruits, and a hint of velvety chocolate.

On the nose, it reveals a captivating bouquet of rich, fruity raisins interlaced with a delicate hint of Japanese incense — the influence of Japanese Mizunara wood. According to the chief blender Shinji Fukuyo, it has the fragrance of “stripped old wood, like the Toshodaiji Temple in Nara.”

The whisky greets the palate with a soft, smooth sip that unfolds with a balance of sweetness and a subtle bitterness. 

Its finish is characterized by a gentle bitterness, a fragrant scented wood aroma, and a whisper of smokiness. 

Aging the Yamazaki 55 Year Old Whiskey to Perfection

Central to this masterpiece by master blender Shinjiro Torii is the carefully chosen native Japanese Mizunara wood and American white oak cask used to store the whisky. The Japanese Mizunara oak casks impart an array of exotic flavors, such as sandal wood and incense, while also lending its characteristic spiciness. 

The use of American white oak lends the whisky a robust aroma redolent of vanilla, caramel, and fruity notes, enhancing the whiskey's complexity.

As the years pass, the whisky absorbs the rich and diverse flavors from the wood, while the angel's share – the portion that evaporates during maturation – gradually concentrates the remaining liquid. 

This process intensifies the whiskey's flavors and mouthfeel, creating the exceptional, full-bodied character of Yamazaki 55 Year Old Whiskey.

What Is the Best Way to Drink the Yamazaki 55 Year Old Whiskey?

The makers recommend serving the Yamazaki whiskey in a Burgundy glass to highlight its complex aromas and flavors. 

Pour a modest amount into the glass and let it rest for a few moments to aerate, allowing the whiskey's intricate bouquet to open up fully.

Dark chocolate or rich, nutty desserts will complement its sweet and bitter nuances. 

Cigar enthusiasts could consider a premium cigar with a medium-to-full body and subtle sweetness to accentuate the spirit's woody notes and smoky finish.

Why You Should Invest in a Yamazaki 55 Year Old

The Yamazaki 55 Year Old Whiskey is not only a luxurious treasure for whisky connoisseurs but also an attractive investment. 

Here’s why:

1. Low Production Quantities

Suntory whiskey produced only 100 bottles in the initial release of 2020 — exclusively for Japanese whiskey connoisseurs. Its global sale began in 2021, contributing to its rarity and mystique. Given how few bottles are available to whisky lovers, the Yamazaki 55 Year Old will continue to be one of the most sought-after items on the auction blocks for years to come.  

2. Price Appreciation

If you bought the Yamazaki 55 Year Old in Japan in 2020, it would’ve cost you $27,000. However, the global release in 2021 caused a price jump of almost 123% in less than a year, with a bottle selling at $60,000. It stands out as the most expensive Japanese whisky ever sold.  

3. Impressive Performance at Auctions

Such rapid price appreciation is hardly an exception for the whiskeys from the House of Suntory. 

The Yamazaki 18 Year Old that was once seen on supermarket shelves for as low as $50 gets auctioned off for thousands of dollars today!  

The Yamazaki 55 was auctioned for $780,000 at a Sotheby’s auction — breaking the record of Karuizawa 1960 as the most expensive Japanese whiskey ever sold. It even fetched an impressive HK$4,375,000 at an auction in Bonhams Hong Kong. 

Now, if you’re keen to know a bit more about the distillery, here’s a quick look:

A Brief History of the Yamazaki Distillery

The Yamazaki Distillery, established in 1923 by Suntorys founder Shinjiro Torii is Japan's first and oldest malt whisky distillery. 

Inspired by Scotch whisky production, Shinjiro Torii sought to create a whisky that would cater to the refined tastes of Japanese whisky connoisseurs while incorporating the best aspects of Scotland's single malt distilling traditions. 

Over the years, Shingo Torii (the founder’s son and a master blender) has produced exceptional spirits that earned Suntory international recognition and numerous awards.

Yamazaki whisky distillery harnesses high-quality water from the three rivers in the region and a diverse climate on the outskirts of Kyoto. They experiment with unique cask maturation methods, such as using Mizunara oak casks that impart distinct flavors and aromas.

Now, it may not always be easy to buy them at alcohol stores or retailers like The Whisky Exchange and Harrods.

So, how do you invest in such timeless classics that are hard to get hold of?

Invest in Whiskey Casks Through Whiskeyvest

Whiskeyvest provides a platform for investing in exclusive whisky barrels.

From expensive Japanese whiskey to precious single malts and extra aged whiskies, Whiskeyvest is your go-to place to acquire premium spirits.

Why choose Whiskeyvest for your investment?

• No intermediaries are involved — all cost savings are passed on to you.
• Your Japanese whisky or other casks are fully insured and stored in a climate-controlled bonded warehouse for ideal aging conditions.
• You own your whisky and can request a sample bottle from your cask annually.
• Arrange a visit to view your cask in person.
• Whiskeyvest's team offers guidance on optimal holding periods for each cask. Upon maturation, they facilitate the selling process on your behalf.
• Prefer not to sell your cask? Choose to have it bottled and shipped directly to you — be it to the US, New Zealand, Hong Kong, or anywhere in the world.

A Toast to the Timeless Legacy of Yamazaki 55 Year Old Whiskey!

The Yamazaki 55 Year Old Whiskey embodies the allure and traditional craftsmanship of Japanese whisky. The exquisite flavor profile and unparalleled maturation process of this Japanese whiskey showcases the dedication and passion of the Yamazaki Distillery.

If you’re keen to invest in a Yamazaki or any rare whisky, the smartest thing to do is to invest in casks through Whiskeyvest. 

Why wait? Go over to the Whiskeyvest websiteto find out more now.