Yamazaki Single Malt Smoky Batch The Third Limited Edition is a rare glimpse into the wilder, more elemental side of Japan’s most revered whisky distillery. For decades, Yamazaki has been celebrated for its delicate balance of fruit, oak, and refinement but this limited release reveals another dimension: an artful, smoky expression inspired by the distillery’s earliest experiments in the 1920s. The first encounter is unexpected yet captivating, subtle smoke intertwined with the unmistakable elegance that defines Yamazaki.

Yamazaki Single Malt Smoky Batch The Third Limited Edition 70cl
Brand: Yamazaki | Category: Single Malt Japanese Whisky | ABV: 43% | Origin: Japan | Vol: 70cl

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Gentle wisps of smoke mingle with honeyed malt, dried apricot, and sandalwood, like the scent of an incense-lit teahouse near the forest.
Palate: Smooth and layered with sweet oak, toasted nuts, and soft peat. The smoke never dominates; it moves gracefully through notes of orchard fruit, vanilla, and faint spice.
Finish: Long, elegant, and quietly smoky, fading into warm notes of caramel and cedar. The memory of the smoke lingers, delicate but confident.

Production Details:
Crafted at Japan’s oldest malt whisky distillery, the Smoky Batch series celebrates Yamazaki’s mastery of versatility. This third edition is composed of malt whiskies carefully selected for their distinct smoky character, achieved through the use of lightly peated malted barley and slow, deliberate aging in a mix of American, Spanish, and Japanese Mizunara oak casks. The “batch” approach allows Suntory’s blenders to create a profile that balances Japanese precision with smoky complexity.

Perfect For:
Ideal for quiet evenings when you want something contemplative yet comforting. It’s a whisky that rewards slow sipping, a perfect companion to soft jazz, candlelight, and good company. Best shared with those who understand that subtlety can be more powerful than intensity.

Expert Notes:
Collectors and critics alike have praised the Smoky Batch series for revealing a side of Yamazaki rarely seen. This third release is celebrated for its impeccable balance, an interplay of fruit, wood, and smoke that feels both nostalgic and new. It’s a bottle that demonstrates why Yamazaki remains at the pinnacle of Japanese whisky artistry.

Customer Reviews:
“Delicately smoky, like a whisper rather than a shout. Finesse with a twist.”   Ken I.
“I didn’t expect to love the smoke, but it’s perfectly integrated. Elegant and endlessly drinkable.”   Rafael S.
“This feels like history in a glass, familiar, refined, and quietly bold.”   Henry L.

Interesting Fact:
The Smoky Batch series draws inspiration from Yamazaki’s early experiments with peated malt, dating back to Masataka Taketsuru’s time at the distillery before he founded Nikka. It’s a respectful nod to the origins of Japanese whisky itself.

Serving Suggestions:
Best enjoyed neat to appreciate its gentle smoke and layered sweetness. A few drops of water can open up its floral and fruit notes, while serving it in a tulip-shaped glass enhances its aromatic balance.

Distillery Background:
Founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, Yamazaki Distillery sits at the foot of Mount Tennozan near Kyoto, where the confluence of pure waters and shifting climates create ideal whisky-making conditions. Known as the birthplace of Japanese whisky, Yamazaki combines Scottish tradition with Japanese precision. Each limited release, including the Smoky Batch series, is a testament to Suntory’s commitment to craftsmanship, balance, and innovation, an expression of Japan’s pursuit of harmony in every drop.