Yamazaki 1996

Founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, the visionary founder of Suntory, Yamazaki Distillery stands as the birthplace of Japanese whisky. Nestled on the outskirts of Kyoto at the confluence of three pristine rivers, Torii selected this location for its exceptional soft water and unique misty climate—ideal conditions for whisky maturation. After nearly a century of meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to the Japanese art of monozukuri, Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky has transcended its origins to achieve global icon status. The distillery's expressions have consistently earned the highest honors at the world's most prestigious spirits competitions, including the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), and San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), amassing numerous gold medals and 'World's Best Whisky' titles. This recognition from international whisky judges, master blenders, and connoisseurs worldwide has cemented Yamazaki's reputation as a pioneer that redefined the global whisky landscape, proving that world-class single malt could be crafted outside of Scotland.