Where Can You Buy a Mini Bottle of Yamazaki 12 Year? A Complete Guide Including Retail Price and Key Information!

Yamazaki 12 Year Old is currently in short supply and difficult to obtain, with prices rising, but the 50ml mini bottle may be easier to purchase.

If you have never tried a Yamazaki with an age statement and would like to get one, be sure to find out where it is sold before making your purchase.

Yamazaki mini bottles are sometimes sold at convenience stores, but there are more reports of non-vintage 180ml Yamazaki being available than the 12 Year Old.

In this article, we will introduce where you can buy the Yamazaki 12 Year Old mini bottle and explain how you can purchase it at the regular price.

Where Can You Buy the Yamazaki 12 Year Old Mini Bottle?

Below is a summary of where you can buy the Yamazaki 12 Year Old mini bottle.

Let's take a closer look at each option.

Online shops such as Amazon and Rakuten Ichiba

If you want to get a mini bottle of Yamazaki 12 Year as quickly as possible, use online shops such as Amazon and Rakuten Ichiba.

Online shops generally sell them at premium prices higher than the regular retail price.

If you want to get it quickly as a gift or want to enjoy a mini bottle of Yamazaki 12 Year as soon as possible, purchasing from an online shop is the most reliable option.

【Amazon】

Suntory Yamazaki 12 Year Miniature 50ml

created by Rinker

Suntory

¥2,868 (As of 2025/07/08 15:21:52, according to Amazon -Details)

• Amazon
• Rakuten Ichiba

[Rakuten Ichiba]

Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Year Old, 1 bottle, 50ml, 43% alcohol, no carton, mini bottle, miniature bottle, domestic Japanese whisky, gift item, present, premium product, liquor, gift, rare, adult gift, hard to obtain, free shipping, gift, party

created by Rinker

¥3,579 (As of 2025/07/08 15:21:52, according to Rakuten Ichiba -Details)

• Amazon
• Rakuten Ichiba

Tokyo Station / Tokaido Shinkansen Onboard Sales

Yamazaki 12 Year Old can be purchased at shops inside the ticket gates of Tokyo Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen, as well as through onboard sales on the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Onboard sales are available on the Tokaido Shinkansen, specifically in the Green Cars of the Nozomi and Hikari trains.

Orders can be placed using your smartphone by scanning the QR code provided at each seat, as confirmed on the official website of JR Tokai Retailing Plus.

When you purchase it, it is served with ice and either water or soda, so you can enjoy a mizuwari (whisky and water) or highball right on your journey.

Since options other than straight are also available, this can be considered a well-equipped sales location for those looking to enjoy a luxurious drink while traveling.

A note states, "Limited quantities available; may not be for sale," and with a price of 2,300 yen (tax included), it is more expensive than the regular retail price.

Since taking the Shinkansen also incurs costs, it is better to aim to purchase the Yamazaki 12 Year Mini Bottle when traveling or on a business trip, rather than making a special trip just to buy it.

Brick-and-mortar stores centered on liquor stores

Based on past data, the Yamazaki 12 Year Mini Bottle has been confirmed to be sold at liquor stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, and electronics retailers.

However, depending on the store, it may be possible to purchase it at the regular retail price or at a price close to it.

Except for in-train sales on the Tokaido Shinkansen and at Tokyo Station, there are no locations where the Yamazaki 12 Year Mini Bottle can be reliably purchased.

Therefore, you will need to patiently visit stores with whiskey sections in your area and search for it.

While there is a possibility of finding it at a lower price at certain stores, it generally takes more time compared to using online shops.

Basic Information Including the Retail Price of Yamazaki 12 Year Old

Image source: https://products.suntory.co.jp/d/4901777188938/

Reference: Suntory Official Website

The suggested retail price of the Yamazaki 12 Year Mini Bottle is 1,320 yen, and the regular price is considered to be around 1,500 yen, but in reality, it is often traded at a premium price of over 2,000 yen.

However, the suggested retail price for a 700ml bottle of Yamazaki 12 Year is 15,000 yen, and it can exceed 20,000 yen at premium prices, so the mini bottle is certainly one of the more accessible options among the Yamazaki 12 Year lineup.

Image source: https://products.suntory.co.jp/d/4901777188914/

Reference: Suntory Official Website

Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Years (Official Product, No Box) [Japan 700ml]

created by Rinker

Yamazaki

¥16,500 (As of 2025/07/08 15:21:50, according to Amazon-Details)

• Amazon
• Rakuten Ichiba

We will explain several key points about the basic information of Yamazaki 12 Year.

History & Background

The Yamazaki Distillery was established in 1919 as Japan's first authentic malt whisky distillery by Shinjiro Torii, founder of Suntory (then Kotobukiya), and Masataka Taketsuru, founder of Nikka Whisky, among others.

Released in March 1984 as "Yamazaki 12 Year Single Malt Whisky," Yamazaki 12 Year was created as a commemorative model for the 60th anniversary of the Yamazaki Distillery.

However, when it was first released, there was a non-age-statement version labeled as 'Special Grade,' but around 1986, it was switched to a 12-year age statement, and the label design and emblem were renewed.

At the time, the domestic whisky market in Japan was sluggish, but the high quality of Yamazaki 12 Year attracted attention and helped raise its reputation both in Japan and overseas.

At the 2003 ISC (International Spirits Challenge), it became the first Japanese company to win a gold medal, showcasing the presence of Japanese whisky to the world.

From the late 2000s through the 2010s, a global Japanese whisky boom occurred, and Yamazaki 12 Year gained popularity as a flagship brand.

In the 2020s, global demand for Japanese whisky has surged dramatically, and Yamazaki 12 Year has become so sought after that production cannot keep up, leading to premium prices not only in Japan but also overseas.

Production is still ongoing, but since it must be aged for at least 12 years, securing enough base whisky is difficult, and the amount in circulation remains extremely limited.

Production method and maturation barrel

As Yamazaki 12 Year is a single malt whisky, it uses only malt whisky produced at the Yamazaki Distillery.

The distilled whisky is placed in barrels and aged for at least 12 years in the Yamazaki Distillery's maturation warehouse before being bottled.

In the maturation warehouse, changes in temperature and humidity at the Yamazaki Distillery cause the barrels to 'breathe,' allowing the whisky to interact with the wood and develop its aroma and flavor.

The types of aging casks used for Yamazaki 12 Years are as follows.

By expertly blending spirits derived from more than three types of casks, Yamazaki 12 Years achieves a deep and complex flavor balance.

Among aging casks, the Mizunara cask stands out as particularly distinctive. Although it is unique to Japan, it has been highly regarded for its captivating, unique oriental flavors.

Aged for over 12 years, it develops a smooth and full-bodied flavor.

This article explains why Mizunara casks are so popular.

Why Are Mizunara Cask Aged Whiskies So Popular? Recommended Brands and Their Characteristics

Flavor Profile and Recommended Ways to Enjoy

Below is a summary of the flavor characteristics of Yamazaki 12 Years.

A vibrant aroma of ripe persimmon and peach from the sherry cask rises to the forefront, followed by layers of vanilla, honey, and a gentle sweetness reminiscent of maple syrup.

Furthermore, Mizunara casks are characterized by their aromatic woodiness, as well as subtle bitter notes reminiscent of dark chocolate and nuts, resulting in an aroma that is remarkably complex and layered.

On the palate, vanilla and fruity sweetness spread first, followed by a rich depth that reflects its maturation.

There are subtle spicy nuances of cinnamon and nutmeg, along with a hint of bittersweet chocolate and dried fruit.

Between the harmony of vanilla and cask aroma, a faintly woody and bitter aftertaste gradually fades away in the finish.

If you are trying Yamazaki 12 Years for the first time, it is recommended to enjoy it straight, allowing you to fully appreciate its flavors.

Adding a small amount of water enhances the fruity and sweet vanilla-like flavors.

Given its price, it may not be ideal for highballs, but its clean taste makes it a suitable way to enjoy it.

Recommended ways to enjoy Yamazaki 12 Year are detailed in this article.

Yamazaki is a world-class whisky! What are its flavor characteristics and the best ways to enjoy it?

Award

Yamazaki's 12-year awards include:

The ISC (International Spirits Challenge) and SWSC (San Francisco World Spirits Competition) are prestigious whisky competitions.

It has won numerous awards at international whisky competitions.

The high quality of Yamazaki 12 Years is recognized by renowned whisky enthusiasts, and it has a history of winning numerous gold medals.

Reasons for the shortage

In recent years, the Japanese whisky market has seen a rapid surge in global popularity.

To ensure stable production of Yamazaki 12 Years, the Yamazaki Distillery must continuously maintain a stock of spirits aged for at least 12 years in its warehouses.

However, due to the difficulty in securing enough spirits aged over 12 years, the supply of Yamazaki 12 Years is extremely limited.

Since the 2000s, Yamazaki 12 Years has consistently won gold and trophy awards at various international competitions, resulting in strong demand from whisky enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

In Asia, North America, and European markets, Yamazaki 12 Years is increasingly traded at premium prices as the flagship of Japanese whisky.

Most domestic retailers do not sell at the regular price, and the product continues to be in short supply.

While Yamazaki 12 Year remains in short supply, the 50ml mini bottle is easier to obtain compared to the standard 700ml bottle.

The reasons why Japanese whisky is in short supply are explained in detail in the following article.

Explaining the three reasons why Japanese whisky is in short supply and the current situation in detail.

Whisky Knowledge Related to the Yamazaki 12 Year Old Mini Bottle

Finally, here is some whisky knowledge related to the Yamazaki 12 Year mini bottle.

Let's take a closer look at each option.

In addition to the 12 Year Old, non-vintage mini bottles of Yamazaki also exist.

Image source: https://products.suntory.co.jp/d/4901777237841/

Cited from: Suntory Official Website

In addition to the 12 Year mini bottle, Yamazaki also offers a non-vintage mini bottle with no age statement.

With a capacity of 180ml, it is larger than the 50ml Yamazaki 12 Year mini bottle.

Additionally, this mini bottle is reported to be restocked at convenience stores more regularly than the 12 Year mini bottle, making it well-known as a whisky you can buy at convenience stores.

Although it may be possible to purchase it at the regular price at convenience stores and similar outlets, it is often traded at a higher market price than the 50ml Yamazaki 12 Year mini bottle, so it remains difficult to obtain.

Suntory Single Malt Yamazaki [Whisky, Japan, 180ml]

created by Rinker

Yamazaki

¥4,020 (As of 2025/07/08 15:02:19, according to Amazon -Details)

• Amazon
• Rakuten Ichiba

This article introduces Yamazaki's non-vintage (non-age statement) whisky.

What is Yamazaki Non-Age/NV (Non-Vintage)? Tasting Notes and Recommended Ways to Enjoy

Among the Yamazaki lineup, it is especially popular and ideal as a gift.

The appeal of mini bottles is that they are easy to obtain and allow you to sample the hard-to-find Yamazaki.

Due to the beautiful bottle design of Yamazaki and the charm of its small size, it is sometimes sought after by collectors.

Because the high-quality Yamazaki 12 Year can be obtained at a low price and comes in an attractive mini bottle, it is popular and makes an ideal gift.

It is likely to be well received as a gift for whisky lovers and those who enjoy alcoholic beverages.

Recommended whiskies that can be given as gifts for around 3,000 yen, close to the market price of the Yamazaki 12 Year mini bottle, are introduced in the following article.

Recommended whisky brands for gifts around 3,000 yen

At the Yamazaki Distillery, there are opportunities to taste Yamazaki 12 Year Old.

The Yamazaki Distillery, which produces Yamazaki, offers distillery tours.

During the distillery tour, you can taste Yamazaki 12 Year at the paid tasting counter.

However, advance reservations are required for the tour, and due to its popularity, participants are selected by lottery.

This is a way to sample Yamazaki other than through mini bottles, so keep it in mind.

The appeal of whisky distillery tours is introduced in the following article.

What makes whisky distillery tours so appealing? Here are three key points for participating.

At Last

Yamazaki 12 Year is currently extremely difficult to obtain and commands a premium price, but the 50ml mini bottle is relatively easier to find and allows you to enjoy it more casually.

However, since it is often sold at prices above the regular price, it can be challenging and time-consuming if you want to purchase it as cheaply as possible at the regular price.

Checking online shops and physical liquor stores that report new stock is the quickest way to get it.