Nose: The aroma is quite unique, with an unexpected hint of milk or cheese. Vanilla and a touch of sandalwood, likely from the Mizunara oak, come through gently. The scent is mild and soft, with notes of oak and gentle coconut, and no spice burn on the nose. Palate: On the palate, Yamazaki 12 is extremely smooth with no burn at all. It has a light but pleasant mouthfeel, featuring flavors of toffee and dried fruits like raisins, complemented by vanilla. There’s a good citrusy note with a subtle hint of cinnamon spice. Finish: The finish is short to medium, with a nice cedar aroma and gentle spice. Overall: While Yamazaki 12 is quite expensive, its worthiness of the price and hype is debatable. It might not be a whisky you’d want to splurge on repeatedly, especially considering there are other whiskies available at a fraction of the price that offer a better experience. However, Yamazaki 12 is still a good whisky that you should try at least once. The Mizunara oak adds interesting characteristics to the whisky. It’s recommended to try this whisky in a bar first to decide if it’s worth the investment for you.