Nikka Yoichi 15 Year Old (700ml / 45%)

Nikka Yoichi 15 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml / 45%)

$990.00
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"...the kind of whisky that propels a distillery into super league status. A Classic!" - Jim Murray. Nikka's founder Masataka Taketsuru chose Yoichi in Hokkaido because of the similar environmental conditions to Scotland,...

Description

"...the kind of whisky that propels a distillery into super league status. A Classic!" - Jim Murray.

Nikka's founder Masataka Taketsuru chose Yoichi in Hokkaido because of the similar environmental conditions to Scotland, where he learned whisky making.

Nikka's Yoichi Distillery produces rich, peaty and masculine malts. The whiskies get their distinct aroma and body from heating via coal - a traditional method that's extremely rare today, even in Scotland.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Brilliant gold.


Aroma: Powerful opening scents of caramel fudge followed by light vanilla malt and a whisper of smoked fish. Second pass adds hints of linseed oil, cocoa and dates. Very nuanced. Great complexity.


Palate: Just beautiful in its poised and textured delivery - juicy and seamless. Delicious, creamy, vanilla laced malt takes center stage countered by a delightful vibrancy on the finish as lively spices fan out at length; hints of biscuit, quince paste and sweet smoke in the fade. Complete and perfectly rounded. Impossible not to like.


Other reviews...  Nikka’s first distillery is located in the eponymous town on the western coast of Hokkaido. Here, power is the key. Deep and rich with a distinct oiliness — somewhere between linseed and cod liver — there’s also plenty of smoke in the mix as well, and a little hint of black olives in brine with ripe apples lurking behind. I hate making comparisons between Japanese and Scotch single malt but if I was forced to, Yoichi reminds me most of Springbank (edging into Longrow). Water dampens the personality too much for me; best have it full-on and uncompromising. Rather than the palate showing a slow procession of flavors along the tongue, this is a layered whisky; coal-like, oily, and richly fruited with a distinct saltiness on the sides, ably demonstrating that Japan has almost as much variety on offer as scotch. 95 points

Dave Broom, www.maltadvocate.com