Rating 96
Style
Produced In Japan
ABV 48%
Availability Year Round
Price $450.00 
Reviewed By
Reviewed 2022-11-29

The Yamazaki Single Malt Tsukuriwake Selection Puncheon 2022 Review

While this bottle may be even more difficult to secure than other Japanese whiskies, it is by far one of the most fascinating spirits we’ve tried this year. The series breaks down Suntory’s Yamazaki whisky into four separate distillates, each bottled individually. Of the four, Puncheon ever so slightly outshines the others — Spanish Oak, Peated Malt, and Mizunara Cask — thanks to its sweeter profile that carries notes of tropical fruit and molasses. The palate is highly concentrated and introduces complex tannins and nuanced notes of malt and earth. This is worth the splurge.

As of 2024, VinePair no longer participates in any affiliate programs. All links included in our content are as a convenience to our readers, not for earning commission — we receive no monetary value from them. Learn more about our tastings & review department here!

Related Reads

Related Japanese Whisky Reviews

Fuji Japanese Whisky

Fuji Japanese Whisky:
On top of being named after Japan’s most famous volcano, Fuji Japanese Whisky employs snowmelt water from Mt. Fuji in every stage of its ...

Maen Japanese Whisky 8-Year-Old

Maen Japanese Whisky 8-Year-Old:
Maen’s 8-year-old release kicks off with rich wafts of vanilla, cedar, and winter spices, giving way to a medley of peach and apple ...

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old:
It’s been a while since we’ve seen age statements on Nikka’s Yoichi line, but we’re happy to see they're making a comeback. ...

Hibiki ‘Blossom Harmony’ 2022 Limited Edition

Hibiki ‘Blossom Harmony’ 2022 Limited Edition:
Hibiki Blossom Harmony, the highly-anticipated sequel to a 2021 release by Japanese whisky giant Suntory, is a blend of a ...

Featured Japanese Whisky Articles

The 50 Best Spirits of 2023

The 50 Best Spirits of 2023:
Read on for VinePair's authoritative list of the best 50 spirits of 2023! These are 50 of the best spirits you can buy. See them all now!

Loved at Home, Ignored Abroad: Why European Whiskey Drinkers Aren’t Buying the Bourbon Hype

Loved at Home, Ignored Abroad: Why European Whiskey Drinkers Aren’t Buying the Bourbon Hype:
While bourbon is everywhere in the U.S., abroad there is no mania, not even in Europe, home to the world's biggest whiskey drinkers.

The 50 Best Spirits of 2022

The 50 Best Spirits of 2022:
Read on for VinePair's authoritative list of the best 50 spirits of 2022! These are 50 of the best spirits you can buy. See them all now!

96
POINTS
The Yamazaki Single Malt Tsukuriwake Selection Puncheon 2022
While this bottle may be even more difficult to secure than other Japanese whiskies, it is by far one of the most fascinating spirits we’ve tried this year. The series breaks down Suntory’s Yamazaki whisky into four separate distillates, each bottled individually. Of the four, Puncheon ever so slightly outshines the others — Spanish Oak, Peated Malt, and Mizunara Cask — thanks to its sweeter profile that carries notes of tropical fruit and molasses. The palate is highly concentrated and introduces complex tannins and nuanced notes of malt and earth. This is worth the splurge.

Reviewed On: 11-29-2022
96
POINTS
The Yamazaki Single Malt Tsukuriwake Selection Puncheon 2022
While this bottle may be even more difficult to secure than other Japanese whiskies, it is by far one of the most fascinating spirits we’ve tried this year. The series breaks down Suntory’s Yamazaki whisky into four separate distillates, each bottled individually. Of the four, Puncheon ever so slightly outshines the others — Spanish Oak, Peated Malt, and Mizunara Cask — thanks to its sweeter profile that carries notes of tropical fruit and molasses. The palate is highly concentrated and introduces complex tannins and nuanced notes of malt and earth. This is worth the splurge.

Reviewed On: 11-29-2022