About the product
This limited release is part of the Tsukuriwake 2024 series, which explores different whisky-making techniques at the Yamazaki Distillery. The Golden Promise edition is crafted entirely from Golden Promise malted barley, a heritage grain variety originally cultivated in Scotland and valued for producing rich, creamy, and malty whiskies.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairings
Tasting Notes
The nose opens with an elegant bouquet of honeyed malt, yellow apple, and ripe pear, underscored by soft floral hints and a whisper of Mizunara incense. A trace of fresh vanilla pod and orange zest adds brightness. On the palate, the whisky is creamy and full-bodied, revealing layers of golden sponge cake, malted cereal, and roasted hazelnuts. Notes of dried apricot, marmalade, and subtle oak spice emerge as it evolves, creating a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. The finish is long and warming, with lingering sweet malt, toasted wood, and a delicate echo of sandalwood and pepper from the Mizunara oak.
Food Pairings
This whisky pairs exceptionally well with refined dishes that highlight balance and subtlety. Enjoy it alongside seared scallops with a citrus glaze or grilled white fish for a clean and harmonious experience. Creamy cheeses like triple-cream brie or Comté bring out the malt richness, while desserts such as honey-almond cake or crème brûlée mirror its caramel and vanilla undertones. For a savory contrast, consider pairing it with duck breast in a plum reduction or glazed pork belly, which enhance the whisky’s gentle spice and layered sweetness.
About the brand
The Yamazaki Distillery, founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, is Japan’s oldest malt whisky distillery. This specific 2024 edition focuses on the Golden Promise barley variety. Originally a staple of the Scotch industry in the 1960s and 70s, Golden Promise is celebrated for its rich, oily, and malty profile. While many modern distilleries have moved to higher-yielding grains, Yamazaki has been distilling with this heritage barley since 2009, typically using it as a backbone for their flagship 12-Year-Old expression.
