Yamazaki Distillery
Japan's first commercial whisky distillery — founded by Suntory in 1923; the cornerstone of Japanese single malt.
Yamazaki Distillery, founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923 in Osaka Prefecture's Mishima District, is Japan's oldest and first commercial whisky distillery. Torii selected the Yamazaki site for its abundant clean water sources (the area was historically prized for its tea-ceremony water) and its three converging rivers, producing the humid microclimate Torii considered ideal for maturation. The founding distillery master was Masataka Taketsuru, fresh from his apprenticeship in Scotland. Yamazaki produces a wide range of single malts including the 12, 18, and 25 Year expressions plus a range of cask-finished bottlings notable for mizunara (Japanese oak) maturation. Suntory acquired Beam in 2014 to form Beam Suntory.
Quick facts
- Type
- Distillery History
- Region
- Honshu
- Era
- 1923–present
- Origin
- Yamazaki, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
Founding: Torii Selects Yamazaki
Shinjiro Torii, founder of the Suntory company, chose the Yamazaki site in 1923 after a lengthy search for a location combining clean water, favourable climate, and suitable terroir. The area is historically associated with sen no Rikyū, the 16th-century tea master, whose tea-water sources are local. Three rivers converge near the distillery, producing the humid microclimate Torii considered ideal for maturation.
Mizunara Oak Programme
Yamazaki was one of the earliest producers to systematically use mizunara (Quercus crispula) oak for maturation. Mizunara is porous and difficult to cooper, making it expensive and fragile, but its aromatic compounds contribute distinctive sandalwood, coconut, and incense notes uncommon in American or European oak. Yamazaki Mizunara expressions are among the most sought-after Japanese single malts.
Sources & further reading (1)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-15
Frequently asked questions
When was Yamazaki founded?
Yamazaki Distillery was founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii of Suntory. It is Japan's oldest and first commercial whisky distillery. The founding distillery master was Masataka Taketsuru, who had trained in Scotland and later founded Nikka in 1934.