Yamazakura Sasakawa Single Malt is a refined expression from the Asaka Distillery, a symbol of Japan’s quiet whisky renaissance. Nestled in Fukushima Prefecture, Asaka is one of Japan’s few family-owned distilleries, where craftsmanship is guided by precision, patience, and respect for nature. The name Yamazakura translates to “mountain cherry blossom,” a poetic nod to fleeting beauty and enduring craftsmanship. This single malt captures that spirit perfectly, elegant, balanced, and distinctly Japanese in its harmony of flavor.
Product Details:
Brand: Yamazakura (Asaka Distillery) | Category: Japanese Single Malt Whisky | ABV: 43% | Origin: Japan (Fukushima Prefecture) | Volume: 700ml
Tasting Profile:
Nose: Fresh and floral, with aromas of pear, green apple, and white blossoms mingling with vanilla, malt, and gentle oak.
Palate: Smooth and medium-bodied. Flavors of honey, apricot, and toasted barley unfold over soft spice and a touch of citrus zest. The mouthfeel is silky and precise, revealing subtle layers of fruit and wood.
Finish: Clean, graceful, and lingering, notes of vanilla cream, oak, and a whisper of pepper fade into quiet sweetness.
Production Details:
Distilled at the Asaka Distillery using malted barley and pure spring water sourced from the nearby Abukuma Mountains. The whisky is matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, allowing a balance of creamy vanilla sweetness and subtle fruit depth. Bottled at 43% ABV, it represents the distillery’s signature approach, purity, elegance, and balance over power.
Perfect For:
An ideal choice for those who appreciate light yet nuanced whiskies. Perfect for sipping neat, with a splash of water, or served alongside Japanese cuisine where delicate flavors can shine. Also an excellent introduction to the refined style of emerging Japanese single malts.
Expert Notes:
Critics praise Yamazakura Sasakawa for its harmony and approachability. It exemplifies the modern Japanese whisky philosophy, precision, restraint, and depth achieved through quiet craftsmanship rather than intensity. A whisky that rewards contemplation and calm.
Customer Reviews:
“Delicate and beautifully balanced, a gentle, refined malt.” Taro K.
“Soft fruit and vanilla with just enough oak to keep it interesting.” Daniel R.
“Elegant simplicity. It’s the kind of whisky that grows on you with every sip.” Mia L.
Interesting Fact:
The Asaka Distillery was revived in 2016 by the Sasanokawa Shuzo Company, originally founded in 1765 as a sake and shochu producer. Yamazakura represents their re-entry into whisky making, blending centuries of Japanese brewing tradition with modern distillation expertise.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve neat in a tulip or Glencairn glass to appreciate its floral and fruit aromas. For a lighter profile, add a few drops of chilled water or serve over a single clear ice sphere. Avoid heavy mixers, this whisky’s delicacy deserves focus.
Distillery Background:
Located in Fukushima Prefecture, Asaka Distillery is one of Japan’s few independent, family-run whisky producers. With deep roots in sake brewing and meticulous attention to water purity and cask selection, Asaka has quickly earned respect among Japanese whisky enthusiasts. The Yamazakura Sasakawa Single Malt stands as a reflection of their philosophy, understated, elegant, and unmistakably Japanese in its pursuit of harmony and perfection.
