Once saw this at a bar and thought I'd treat myself. Cost me almost £20 for a dram. I turn my head for a second and the waitress had put a handful of crushed ice in the glass and it melted almost instantly :( almost cried. Great video!
Thankyou for the review... I acquired a bottle that is 12 years with cream color carton and 18 years one back in 2015. Stored away. Now last month I acquired 12 bottle case with black color carton for 99.00 each.
For fair prices on Japanese whiskey you have to go to Japan. I paid $30 for Nikka from the Barrel and $60 for Hibiki Harmony. Otherwise most of what you're paying for is import taxes, alcohol taxes and store profit, not the product itself.
I just found a online shop in Belgium that sells this one as samples. Not cheap but a full bottle will cost €220. Paid €13.50 for 50ml. Perfect for a review. Cheers.
It's great that you can get sample like that. Around San Francisco, I don't see too many sample bottles, except for the bigger brands like Glenmorangie. Cheers!
Everything you said about this is my experience with Taketsuru by Nikka, except the one note finish. I'm getting a bit more out of the Taketsuru and the Yoichi as well actually; a huge fan of the malted barley distillate flavor! I'm so grateful that I discovered Nikka at a tasting bar quite recently, because I found too many scotches are bourbon tainted. My grandpa's scotch sure didn't have bourbon flavor at all years ago. I would love to try the Yamazaki, but the price is way high and haven't found a tasting bar with it yet. Nice review!
@@WhiskyRiffs Thank you for the suggestion, although I have given up on scotch because of the many bad experiences lately. I tasted no malted barley distillate in Laphroaig quarter cask or Kilchoman Sanaig. All they were were smoke and super hot alcohol. I mentioned those because they did not have noticeable bourbon to me at least. The rest of the 12 "scotches" I've had over the last 3 years, the bourbon and/or sherry absolutely killed the real root scotch flavor(malted barley distillate, and sometimes peat of course). Given this I'll say again: I'm grateful to have found Japanese whisky where they have preserved the malted barley flavor. I must say too that the Deanston virgin oak does sound promising, but I'm not paying about $100 again in case Deanston or others are just hot alcohol. My last 15 bottles of scotch over the last 3 years cost a hell of alot of money and not taking anymore chances on modern "scotch". I found my love in Japanese whisky now, but again super appreciate your suggestion! If you want me to list the 15 scotches I'd be more than happy to below. Just ask. Much thanks again!
I think its quite good, but even though I bought it for $125 I still think its quite overpriced, imo the price for the taste should be at least less than $85
For a while when I was trying a lot of new whiskies, I'd have a dram or two a few nights during the week. Now I don't have access to as many bottles (findingGinaMarie.com), so my pours are fewer and further between. Cheers!
Unfortunately a great bottle that’s been severely overpriced by popularity after it won. If it were still 60$ this would be a lovely bottle and worth picking up. I think I got mine for around 69$ way back when…Unfortunately at the skyrocketed price it is now It’s a hard pass. I would be interested in comparing an early bottle from a later one, but I was foolish enough to enjoy it all originally years ago with my father and brother. I wonder how those casks are holding up.
Enjoying whisky with family and friends is way more important than holding on to it. But I've felt the same about an expression like the Quinta Ruban 12 before it changed to a 14 year. Back when I was drinking it, I wasn't focused on tasting for specific nuanced changes. For me to pay double for an expression, it has to be a true favorite of mine. Cheers!
I’m reluctant in getting this however for the price in my area versus yours, I might try it… it’s $126 in my area. Thanks to state regulated alcohol sales (VA ABC)
Wow, that is a good price. If you've tried Hibiki Harmony, I think this has similar notes. And for $126, it's worth trying if you like Japanese single malts.
@@WhiskyRiffs funny story is my buddy had it for years on his bar but didn't know what he had on his bar... I had to tell him to place it in a safer place. 👍🏽
It has been a while since I looked for the Yamazaki 12yo. I brought some home from when I travelled to Japan, which happen to the bottling before they changed the label and went to the black box, while I was living in China. I was able to pick a few more bottles once I returned to the US, but these were of bottling with the new label and black box. In case you are wondering, I haven't done a comparison taste test. I must admit, when I got to part of the video where you quoted the price, my eyes popped out of their sockets, luckily I wear glasses. The bottles I bought in the US back in Sept. 2020, were 'only' $139.99 USD. The ones I picked up in Japan when I was living in China were less than that because it was many years before the big jump in price. Just to give you an idea, my first bottle of Taketsuru 17yo Pure Malt, which I picked up in Narita Airport's Duty Free was just shy of $75USD in te summer of 2015. In 2018 I paid $199.99USD here in the US. I suspect it is virtually impossible to find it now, and if someone does it will be at an outrageous premium. I adore Japanese whisky, but at the prices they are at now, they are simply budget busters when they shouldn't be. Economics 101, 'opportunity cost'. There are other opportunities out there that you can get for the price of one bottle of Yamazaki 12yo. Below someone mentioned Nikka from the Barrel and The Chita. Both are very good whiskies; however, I haven't priced them so I am not sure how they rank on the 'value for money' scale. And yes, Nikka from the Barrel does contain Ben Nevis in it, but this doesn't deter me from enjoying it at all. Just to give you an idea, I remember when the Yamazaki 12yo was selling between $55 to $70USD. Wow, my reply was a bit long. Oh yes, as I am writing this, I am enjoying a wee dram of the 17yo Taketsuru.
@@WhiskyRiffs I just got lucky. When it came to the Taketsuru 17yo Pure Malt, I felt comfortable paying $199.99 per bottle for two reasons: First, I enjoyed the dram. Second, I knew (at that time) it was being discontinued, and it will be more difficult to find. Actually, I knew saw the writing on the wall back in early 2016 when I noticed it wasn't available in the duty free shops at Narita. I would say I do not really experience FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) but I do experience FORO (Fear of Running Out). ^_^ かんぱい
@@WhiskyRiffs Timing is 'key' these days. I think we should expect inflated prices for some time to into the future. Of course, some whisky, depending on the country of origin, the inflated prices will be higher than others. I can tell you my appreciation and enjoyment of Japanese whisky was impacted that I was able to try and buy some of what I have in Japan. I agree with others that surroundings and personal experience impacts our sense of smell and taste and how our brains process them. Of course, price and a strong sense of 'opportunity cost' will impact that, as well. Sadly, there are more factors that make premium prices for whisky that are more out of our control. Jim Murray and his 'bible', supply and demand, and demand that is weighted because of those who buy for investment and not consumption. Oh well. I am glad I got what I have and began to venture into high strength and cask strength armagnac. Shhh. I have to be careful about saying that too loud. HA!
Thanks for watching and commenting, Devin! I can only talk about what I like. Whisky tastes are very personal, which is why I don't feel comfortable providing an absolute ratings scale. Cheers!
Just left this on a shelf for $100. I don’t have much experience with Japanese whiskies but I’ve heard the hype on it. I can’t help but think of what I can get for a scotch in the 15yo range.
@@dibbi3237 There are so many Scotch options for under $100. Here are some with decent ages that I bought recently: Glen Garioch 12, GlenScotia 15, Tomatin Single Malt 18, Clynelish 14, Deanston 14 Organic Scotch.
@@dibbi3237 You're welcome. I have a review published for the Tomatin 18 (ruclips.net/video/MyTY9ERfoLo/видео.html) and the others are scheduled. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs Sorry to hear, Kevin! I ended up at $135 w a 10% cpn : ) You'd think w CA being closer to Japan and the largest US Japanese pop (after Hawaii) prices and availability w be among the best. The group enjoyed it very much along w Nikka Taketsuro and Miyagikyo. Surprisingly they were more impressed or surprised w the Kikori rice whiskey w it's 'sake meets whiskey' profile and a Kaiyo Mizunara w it's heavy mizunara influenced profile, both fantastic and a fraction of the price. Go figure. Cheers!
You had spoken for me : a few years back, Yama12 was 65-80$, some dumb*ss MeTubers gave it high marks, and the chasers went nuts. FOr 200$, i would MUCH rather buy a second Rat Deucetone distortion pedal - aka "Devastator", i call it ! (*imagine chaining 2 RATS ! ! )
Kevin, I am a big fan of the Yama12. Unfortunately it’s creeping up in price to @ one thirty here in Chicago, although I’ve seen plenty on the shelves lately. It was @ eighty when I first started. I like all the Suntory I’ve been able to get but not so much the Toki unless it’s a highball. I’m happy to see you cover many Japanese bottles. I have @ 8 Japanese bottles currently. I’d like to try more but I am leery of the non-Japanese imports being labeled Japanese, especially when Premium priced.
@@TheKris2615 In my cabinet right now, I have Hibiki Harmony, Nikka Yoichi, Iwai 45, Nikka Coffey Malt, Ohishi 8 Banyuls Cask Finish, Ohishi Port Cask Finish, Yamazaki 12, and a Nikka Miyagikyo. Cheers!
Not for me, but I'm not in love with this flavor profile. I also don't love Hibiki Harmony, so if you enjoy that, you might like the Yamazaki 12 more than me.
Ah, the ABV is generally lower in Japan because the local culture dictates the taste profile. Why produce cask strength whisky if its not drank that way? I reviewed a bottle of IWAI 45 a month or so ago and was surprised that they put the ABV in the name like that. I read it was to promote the "higher" ABV in that expression. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Love my 12..killed two bottles with my bosses at a recent charity event and looking forward for killing the Yamazaki 18 at this years.it will be an expensive dram or two but I’m banking it will be worth it.
$200 for a 12 year age statement? no. $100? I guess I just have a problem spending 3 figures on such a young age statement. I paid $100 for a Springbank 10 and drank a delicious $70 whisky. That was my first and last FOMO buy. Even with inflation in 2022, I seriously doubt this is worth $100. That can buy me SO MANY alternatives that are just as good.
I agree. And as I mentioned to another commentator here, I would have to pay $325 now for a Yamasaki 12 in San Francisco today. That’s insane. To pay over $200, I have to love a whisky. Over $300, it better be an incredibly special whisky experience for me. Cheers!
That's actually ludicrous; And here I am in VA stressing about it costing $175 or so, ($100 more than its original cost). I've really been fond of Toki and Hibiki, and could live with the slight bump in cost. But Yamazaki has gone so rogue. It's a decent whisky, but certainly not at the cost it's asking for.
Once saw this at a bar and thought I'd treat myself. Cost me almost £20 for a dram. I turn my head for a second and the waitress had put a handful of crushed ice in the glass and it melted almost instantly :( almost cried. Great video!
Oh no, no, no!!! I physically clenched up when I read that and my wife gasped in horror. 😱
Thankyou for the review...
I acquired a bottle that is 12 years with cream color carton and 18 years one back in 2015. Stored away.
Now last month I acquired 12 bottle case with black color carton for 99.00 each.
Well done! That's a great price.
For fair prices on Japanese whiskey you have to go to Japan. I paid $30 for Nikka from the Barrel and $60 for Hibiki Harmony. Otherwise most of what you're paying for is import taxes, alcohol taxes and store profit, not the product itself.
That sounds very likely. Distributors making money off of the scarcity of whisky is all too common.
I just found a online shop in Belgium that sells this one as samples. Not cheap but a full bottle will cost €220. Paid €13.50 for 50ml. Perfect for a review. Cheers.
It's great that you can get sample like that. Around San Francisco, I don't see too many sample bottles, except for the bigger brands like Glenmorangie. Cheers!
The Yamazaki 12 yo whiskey is too expensive. In 2012 I bought only $90/bottle
@@ChiTran-zs2ej Agree It is expensive
Everything you said about this is my experience with Taketsuru by Nikka, except the one note finish. I'm getting a bit more out of the Taketsuru and the Yoichi as well actually; a huge fan of the malted barley distillate flavor! I'm so grateful that I discovered Nikka at a tasting bar quite recently, because I found too many scotches are bourbon tainted. My grandpa's scotch sure didn't have bourbon flavor at all years ago. I would love to try the Yamazaki, but the price is way high and haven't found a tasting bar with it yet. Nice review!
There are several "virgin oak" expression of Scotch from distilleries like Deanston and others, if you don't like the affects of an ex-bourbon cask.
@@WhiskyRiffs Thank you for the suggestion, although I have given up on scotch because of the many bad experiences lately. I tasted no malted barley distillate in Laphroaig quarter cask or Kilchoman Sanaig. All they were were smoke and super hot alcohol. I mentioned those because they did not have noticeable bourbon to me at least. The rest of the 12 "scotches" I've had over the last 3 years, the bourbon and/or sherry absolutely killed the real root scotch flavor(malted barley distillate, and sometimes peat of course). Given this I'll say again: I'm grateful to have found Japanese whisky where they have preserved the malted barley flavor. I must say too that the Deanston virgin oak does sound promising, but I'm not paying about $100 again in case Deanston or others are just hot alcohol.
My last 15 bottles of scotch over the last 3 years cost a hell of alot of money and not taking anymore chances on modern "scotch".
I found my love in Japanese whisky now, but again super appreciate your suggestion!
If you want me to list the 15 scotches I'd be more than happy to below. Just ask.
Much thanks again!
I think its quite good, but even though I bought it for $125 I still think its quite overpriced, imo the price for the taste should be at least less than $85
Hi John, I think you’re right. Considering I can buy some older Scotch for $125 or so, I’d put the Kamazaki 12 below those on my wish list. Cheers!
I'm two years behind... Sorry.. Remember that the 12 Will open up a lot after the neck is gone! Needs a little Air to get to it's full potential..
No worries about being behind. Thanks for watching and commenting! Cheers!
Great review. How often do you drink and how much do you drink at a time?
For a while when I was trying a lot of new whiskies, I'd have a dram or two a few nights during the week. Now I don't have access to as many bottles (findingGinaMarie.com), so my pours are fewer and further between. Cheers!
Unfortunately a great bottle that’s been severely overpriced by popularity after it won. If it were still 60$ this would be a lovely bottle and worth picking up. I think I got mine for around 69$ way back when…Unfortunately at the skyrocketed price it is now It’s a hard pass. I would be interested in comparing an early bottle from a later one, but I was foolish enough to enjoy it all originally years ago with my father and brother. I wonder how those casks are holding up.
Enjoying whisky with family and friends is way more important than holding on to it. But I've felt the same about an expression like the Quinta Ruban 12 before it changed to a 14 year. Back when I was drinking it, I wasn't focused on tasting for specific nuanced changes.
For me to pay double for an expression, it has to be a true favorite of mine. Cheers!
My 2 go to Japanese whisky so far are Nikka from the Barrel (still affordable) and Hibiki (when it was affordable then)
I almost grabbed a bottle of Nikka from the Barrel… now I really need to buy it. Cheers!
Nikka from the barrel is blended with Ben Nevis whisky. It doesn't meet the new requirements for Japanese whisky.
I’m reluctant in getting this however for the price in my area versus yours, I might try it… it’s $126 in my area. Thanks to state regulated alcohol sales (VA ABC)
Wow, that is a good price. If you've tried Hibiki Harmony, I think this has similar notes. And for $126, it's worth trying if you like Japanese single malts.
@@WhiskyRiffs I recently had some Hibiki 17 Years Japanese Whiskey and it was sooo smooth and delicious. 👍🏽
Impressive that you found a dram of the 17!
@@WhiskyRiffs funny story is my buddy had it for years on his bar but didn't know what he had on his bar... I had to tell him to place it in a safer place. 👍🏽
@@Da1Prophessor You're a good whisky friend. 😄
It has been a while since I looked for the Yamazaki 12yo. I brought some home from when I travelled to Japan, which happen to the bottling before they changed the label and went to the black box, while I was living in China. I was able to pick a few more bottles once I returned to the US, but these were of bottling with the new label and black box. In case you are wondering, I haven't done a comparison taste test. I must admit, when I got to part of the video where you quoted the price, my eyes popped out of their sockets, luckily I wear glasses. The bottles I bought in the US back in Sept. 2020, were 'only' $139.99 USD. The ones I picked up in Japan when I was living in China were less than that because it was many years before the big jump in price. Just to give you an idea, my first bottle of Taketsuru 17yo Pure Malt, which I picked up in Narita Airport's Duty Free was just shy of $75USD in te summer of 2015. In 2018 I paid $199.99USD here in the US. I suspect it is virtually impossible to find it now, and if someone does it will be at an outrageous premium. I adore Japanese whisky, but at the prices they are at now, they are simply budget busters when they shouldn't be. Economics 101, 'opportunity cost'. There are other opportunities out there that you can get for the price of one bottle of Yamazaki 12yo. Below someone mentioned Nikka from the Barrel and The Chita. Both are very good whiskies; however, I haven't priced them so I am not sure how they rank on the 'value for money' scale. And yes, Nikka from the Barrel does contain Ben Nevis in it, but this doesn't deter me from enjoying it at all. Just to give you an idea, I remember when the Yamazaki 12yo was selling between $55 to $70USD. Wow, my reply was a bit long. Oh yes, as I am writing this, I am enjoying a wee dram of the 17yo Taketsuru.
The only Yamazaki 12 bottle I can find right now is going for $325. I envy your purchases in the past. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs I just got lucky. When it came to the Taketsuru 17yo Pure Malt, I felt comfortable paying $199.99 per bottle for two reasons: First, I enjoyed the dram. Second, I knew (at that time) it was being discontinued, and it will be more difficult to find. Actually, I knew saw the writing on the wall back in early 2016 when I noticed it wasn't available in the duty free shops at Narita. I would say I do not really experience FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) but I do experience FORO (Fear of Running Out). ^_^ かんぱい
@@Andrew-lb1up Timing is everything when it comes to finding the whisky bottles you want. Well done!
@@WhiskyRiffs Timing is 'key' these days. I think we should expect inflated prices for some time to into the future. Of course, some whisky, depending on the country of origin, the inflated prices will be higher than others. I can tell you my appreciation and enjoyment of Japanese whisky was impacted that I was able to try and buy some of what I have in Japan. I agree with others that surroundings and personal experience impacts our sense of smell and taste and how our brains process them. Of course, price and a strong sense of 'opportunity cost' will impact that, as well. Sadly, there are more factors that make premium prices for whisky that are more out of our control. Jim Murray and his 'bible', supply and demand, and demand that is weighted because of those who buy for investment and not consumption. Oh well. I am glad I got what I have and began to venture into high strength and cask strength armagnac. Shhh. I have to be careful about saying that too loud. HA!
Best whiskey channel on RUclips! Cheers! #bosspours
Thank so much! Cheers! 🥃
Thanks for an honest critical review.
Thanks for watching and commenting, Devin! I can only talk about what I like. Whisky tastes are very personal, which is why I don't feel comfortable providing an absolute ratings scale. Cheers!
My first bottle was $59 and I liked it a lot. But every time I bought a bottle it went up in price. Now at $200 on Long Island, it’s a ripoff.
Age-statement whisky is more expensive across the board and Japanese expressions have been skyrocketing in price for years. It's crazy.
Just left this on a shelf for $100. I don’t have much experience with Japanese whiskies but I’ve heard the hype on it. I can’t help but think of what I can get for a scotch in the 15yo range.
My thoughts exactly, Carlos. Cheers!
@@WhiskyRiffs recommendations for scotch in a similar price range?
@@dibbi3237 There are so many Scotch options for under $100. Here are some with decent ages that I bought recently: Glen Garioch 12, GlenScotia 15, Tomatin Single Malt 18, Clynelish 14, Deanston 14 Organic Scotch.
@@WhiskyRiffs thank you very much for the recommendations, I'll be checking them out soon 👍
@@dibbi3237 You're welcome. I have a review published for the Tomatin 18 (ruclips.net/video/MyTY9ERfoLo/видео.html) and the others are scheduled. Cheers!
Wow, the prices are crazy in CA. In NY it's widely available for $150. Worth it?
The only SF shop I could find stock of Yamazaki 12 lists it for $325. Distribution makes all the difference.
@@WhiskyRiffs
Sorry to hear, Kevin! I ended up at $135 w a 10% cpn : ) You'd think w CA being closer to Japan and the largest US Japanese pop (after Hawaii) prices and availability w be among the best. The group enjoyed it very much along w Nikka Taketsuro and Miyagikyo. Surprisingly they were more impressed or surprised w the Kikori rice whiskey w it's 'sake meets whiskey' profile and a Kaiyo Mizunara w it's heavy mizunara influenced profile, both fantastic and a fraction of the price. Go figure. Cheers!
You had spoken for me : a few years back, Yama12 was 65-80$, some dumb*ss MeTubers gave it high marks, and the chasers went nuts. FOr 200$, i would MUCH rather buy a second Rat Deucetone distortion pedal - aka "Devastator", i call it ! (*imagine chaining 2 RATS ! ! )
Kevin, I am a big fan of the Yama12. Unfortunately it’s creeping up in price to @ one thirty here in Chicago, although I’ve seen plenty on the shelves lately. It was @ eighty when I first started. I like all the Suntory I’ve been able to get but not so much the Toki unless it’s a highball. I’m happy to see you cover many Japanese bottles. I have @ 8 Japanese bottles currently. I’d like to try more but I am leery of the non-Japanese imports being labeled Japanese, especially when Premium priced.
With the new whisky regulations in Japan, it’s easier now to confirm that you’re buying a Japanese whisky. Cheers!
Kevin..what are the 8 japanese whiskeys you acquired.
@@TheKris2615 In my cabinet right now, I have Hibiki Harmony, Nikka Yoichi, Iwai 45, Nikka Coffey Malt, Ohishi 8 Banyuls Cask Finish, Ohishi Port Cask Finish, Yamazaki 12, and a Nikka Miyagikyo. Cheers!
$120 worth it to you ?
Not for me, but I'm not in love with this flavor profile. I also don't love Hibiki Harmony, so if you enjoy that, you might like the Yamazaki 12 more than me.
Just left it on the shelf today at $133.
I would have as well. Cheers!
Why are the Japanese whiskey are so low?
So low in what way?
@@WhiskyRiffs ABV?
Ah, the ABV is generally lower in Japan because the local culture dictates the taste profile. Why produce cask strength whisky if its not drank that way? I reviewed a bottle of IWAI 45 a month or so ago and was surprised that they put the ABV in the name like that. I read it was to promote the "higher" ABV in that expression. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Love my 12..killed two bottles with my bosses at a recent charity event and looking forward for killing the Yamazaki 18 at this years.it will be an expensive dram or two but I’m banking it will be worth it.
Whisky is meant to be drank and shared. Cheers!
$200 for a 12 year age statement? no.
$100? I guess I just have a problem spending 3 figures on such a young age statement. I paid $100 for a Springbank 10 and drank a delicious $70 whisky. That was my first and last FOMO buy. Even with inflation in 2022, I seriously doubt this is worth $100. That can buy me SO MANY alternatives that are just as good.
I agree. And as I mentioned to another commentator here, I would have to pay $325 now for a Yamasaki 12 in San Francisco today. That’s insane. To pay over $200, I have to love a whisky. Over $300, it better be an incredibly special whisky experience for me. Cheers!
That's actually ludicrous; And here I am in VA stressing about it costing $175 or so, ($100 more than its original cost). I've really been fond of Toki and Hibiki, and could live with the slight bump in cost. But Yamazaki has gone so rogue. It's a decent whisky, but certainly not at the cost it's asking for.