Yamato Small Batch Japanese Whisky

Product Description

Yamato Small Batch Japanese Whisky: A Rich, Non-Chill-Filtered Blend with “Great Harmony”

Yamato Small Batch is a limited-batch whisky from Aiko Importers, made from excess barrels at one of the largest distilleries in Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo. The Japanese characters on the label, 大和, translate to “great harmony.” Aiko acquired the whisky and developed Yamato under Japanese authority as an exclusive small-batch brand for the US market.

The brand describes it as a blend of malted Scotch whisky and a distillate made from select grain grown in Yamanashi, aged from three to eight years. It’s bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof), with natural color and no chill filtration, to keep the whisky’s natural character. Wine Enthusiast scored it 90 points.

About the Climate

The brand points to the Kofu Basin, a land-locked, fertile valley surrounded by some of Japan’s highest mountains, including Mt. Fuji. It says the climate slows the maturation of the grains for richer flavor, while cold winters and hot summers intensify the aging, adding flavor and boldness.

What’s in the Bottle

• A blend of malted Scotch whisky and Yamanashi grain distillate
• 3 to 8 years old, per the brand and retailers
• Non-chill filtered, natural color, small batch
• 40% ABV (80 proof), 750ml

Tasting Notes

From Aiko’s brand notes plus Wine Enthusiast and retailer descriptions.

Color: Bright copper.

Nose: Distinct licorice and bourbon notes with toasted honeycomb and toffee, and mild oak, honey, and citrus.

Palate: Rich barley-oak sweetness with a silky sheen, light anise and molasses, vanilla, nougat, and hazelnut. Wine Enthusiast notes cinnamon, plum skin, maple, and dried fig.

Finish: Round vanilla, soft oak, and toffee, with mid-palate dryness and cocoa, nutmeg, and ginger.

Food Pairings

The toffee, nougat, and hazelnut pair well with grilled chicken, teriyaki, and pork. It also goes with dark chocolate, roasted nuts, aged cheese, and a good cigar.

Serving Suggestions

Sip it neat or add a few drops of water, which brings out more baking spice. It’s also good on the rocks or in a highball with soda and a lemon twist, the classic Japanese serve. With its silky texture, it’s an easy first Japanese-style whisky.

Frequently Asked Questions

What proof is it? 80 proof (40% ABV).

What is it made from? A blend of malted Scotch whisky and Japanese grain distillate from Yamanashi, per the brand.

Is it a single malt? No. It’s a blend.

How old is it? A blend of 3- to 8-year-old whiskies, per the brand and retailers.

Is it chill filtered? No.

What does “Yamato” mean? The kanji 大和 translates to “great harmony.”

Where is it from? Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, bottled for the US market by Aiko Importers.

Is it a good gift? Yes, and it’s a good starter bottle for Japanese-style whisky.

Explore More

Looking for more Japanese whisky? Try the Hibiki Japanese Harmony, or browse our Japanese Whiskey collection or Whiskey collection for more bottles.

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At Quality Liquor Store, we guarantee the authenticity and quality of every bottle we sell. All of our products are sourced directly from authorized distributors, and every order is carefully packaged to arrive safely at your door. Shop with confidence knowing your whisky is in good hands.