Yamazaki 12 Year at US Costco: Cheaper Than Japan? (2026)

During a recent trip to the United States, I made a stop at Costco and stumbled upon an unexpected treasure in the liquor aisle: Yamazaki 12 Year Japanese whisky. As a whisky enthusiast, finding this elusive bottle was a moment of pure joy. It's often hard to come by, so I couldn't just walk past it! I immediately checked the price and decided to do a quick comparison to see how it stacks up against prices in Japan and Korea.

Yamazaki 12 Year Available at US Costco

While browsing the liquor section at a US Costco, my eyes landed on the distinctive bottle of Yamazaki 12 Year. When I visited, there were only three bottles left, indicating its rarity even here. Interestingly, they also had plenty of Hibiki Harmony in stock, which was much more readily available.

Why Yamazaki is Harder to Find

Even in many Asian markets, Hibiki Harmony is relatively easier to find in department stores, duty-free shops, or specialty liquor stores. Yamazaki 12 Year, however, is a different story. Shipments are typically smaller, and bottles often sell out almost immediately upon arrival. That's why seeing it displayed at a US Costco was such a pleasant surprise. It's truly a sought-after spirit, even in the States.

What Was the Price?

Of course, the first thing I did was check the price tag! Keep in mind that prices can vary significantly depending on the store location and the time of your visit. The price I saw at my local Costco was US$159.99.

In the US, sales tax is added at checkout, so the final price would be slightly higher. Generally, you can expect the total to be in the range of ~$188-~$203 after tax, depending on your state's regulations, still making it an impressive deal.

US, Japan, and Korea Price Comparison

※ The US price is based on a direct visit to a specific Costco (US$159.99). Japanese and Korean prices reflect general market trends. Actual prices may vary due to exchange rates, retailers, and stock availability.

Planning a US Trip? Keep This in Mind!

If you're preparing for a trip to the United States, I highly recommend adding a Costco visit to your itinerary. Especially if you're a whisky connoisseur, you might just find rare gems like Yamazaki or Hibiki that are hard to source elsewhere.

Good news for international travelers: your Costco membership card from your home country is typically accepted in US stores, so don't forget to pack it before you depart!

My Final Thoughts

Discovering Yamazaki 12 Year was incredibly exciting. Since it's so difficult to find back home, and the price at Costco was more reasonable than typical market rates, I couldn't resist picking up a bottle for myself.

I'm already researching the best food pairings to enjoy it on a special occasion. So, if you're planning a US adventure, make sure to swing by the liquor section at Costco. You might just find your desired whisky at a surprisingly good price!