It was a historic moment for Japanese whisky in August 2025 when The House of Suntory released the Yamazaki 25 Years Old Mizunara, its oldest expression aged in Mizunara oak. The result of years of meticulous blending, it embodies the Osaka-founded alcohol mammoth’s craftsmanship and patience.
Shinji Fukuyo, a fifth-generation Suntory Chief Blender, describes maturation in Mizunara oak as a process that imparts “extraordinary richness and depth”. Named Master Blender of the Year at the 2024 International Spirits Challenge, he has spent over four decades perfecting the art of Japanese whisky.
Since taking on his current role in 2009, he has contributed to the creation of Suntory’s most iconic and coveted whiskies, such as Yamazaki 1984 and Yamazaki 55 Years Old. As a 25-year-old, the Mizunara is poised to elevate his already stellar career even further.
Mizunara oak has been at the heart of The House of Suntory’s identity since the 1940s. Native to Japan, Mizunara is prized for its fine grain and aromatic character, and often described as a delicate blend of sandalwood, coconut, and Japanese incense. However, it is equally known for its challenges.
Unlike American or European oaks, Mizunara trees grow in mountainous regions and often develop twisted, irregular shapes, making it difficult to produce the straight planks required for casks. The wood, while less dense, is also more porous, so it tends to leak, and requires exceptional coopering skill.
According to Fukuyo, the oak character is only revealed after the whisky has matured for more than a decade in 100 percent Mizunara casks. “Notes of coconut, sandalwood, and Japanese incense enhance the refined, layered whisky experience. Through a meticulous blending of carefully matured whiskies, Mizunara casks provide the unifying signature of Yamazaki.”
Describe one of the most defining moments of your journey towards becoming Chief Blender.
When Japan’s whisky category shifted from decline to growth. It was fulled by recognition at international competitions and the highball boom in Japan. This was the moment when our long-term commitment to quality paid off. Being able to celebrate Suntory Whisky’s 100th anniversary in such a positive way was deeply meaningful to me.
In creating the Yamazaki 25 Years Old Mizunara, what was the biggest challenge?
It was challenging to draw out the full flavour of Yamazaki malt from Mizunara casks that had matured over 25 years. For the perfect blend, we carefully examined a wide range of long-aged Mizunara whiskies. The deep Japanese oak character of this expression is rich with sandalwood and incense, and it has an enduring complexity found nowhere else in the whisky world.
What is the character of Mizunara-aged whisky in terms of flavour and texture?
The Mizunara oak maturation imparts extraordinary richness and depth to Yamazaki 25 Years Old Mizunara. A sophisticated and refined aroma unfolds, accompanied by oriental notes reminiscent of fragrant wood and Japanese incense. These are beautifully balanced with fruitiness and spice to create an elegant and soft mouthfeel. With a long-lasting finish, Yamazaki’s refined complexity remains.
Photo: House of Suntory
How is Japanese whisky different from other whiskies?
Suntory’s quality is a result of the combination of natural water, climate, and craftsmanship. Japan has four distinct seasons, which creates a dynamic environment for aging.
In addition to using pure water and carefully selected materials, our whisky is distilled precisely and matured in high-quality casks for added depth and elegance.
As Japanese whisky gains global recognition, protecting its authenticity is vital. We worked with the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association to establish official labelling standards, ensuring that anything marked “Japanese Whisky” is genuinely made in Japan, from water source to bottling.
Finally, what is your favourite Yamazaki expression?
It’s hard to choose since each is like a child to me. One of my early projects, Yamazaki 1984, holds a special place in my heart. There is also Yamazaki 55 Years Old, which was crafted under extreme pressure to achieve exceptional results.
Also, I was deeply moved when Yamazaki 18 Years Old won Supreme Champion Spirit at the 2025 International Spirits Challenge. Following Yamazaki 25 Years Old’s win in 2023 and Yamazaki 12 Years Old’s win in 2024, this was the brand’s third consecutive win, a first in the competition’s history. The global recognition of our craft made me
truly grateful.
