Nikka Yoichi 15 Year

Indeed, it lives up to the hype. What's even better? Enjoying the very last serving, likely ever, at my favorite local establishment. The bartender was generous, giving me more than a standard pour since there wasn't enough for another full serving... a perfect Father's Day treat! It delivers everything one could desire in a Japanese whisky, or perhaps any whisky for that matter – an aroma reminiscent of a summer barbecue in a flourishing fruit grove, a satisfyingly rich (yet not heavy) palate with a perfect harmony of ripe stone fruits, pineapple, and mango alongside charcoal smoke. The finish is enduring, smoldering like the embers of a grill long after cooking. Absolutely exceptional – seek it out if you have the chance.

Incredibly rich and intricate. Yoichi is among the few distilleries still utilizing coal, imparting an earthy essence alongside its fruity sweetness. A true treasure. I've sampled their 10 and 15-year-olds; the 10 leans more towards fruit, while the 15 is earthier. With Nikka ceasing age statements, the 15 likely won't be around much longer. I wonder if Suntory will follow suit, as Yamazaki 18 is becoming noticeably harder to locate.

This deeper amber pour offered notes of peach and oak, both intensely present. Initially, it suggested sherry and definitely smoky wood. The finish lingered with caramel. It was remarkably smooth throughout. A few drops of water introduced a subtle spice. As a highball, it transformed into an adult beverage of peach and apple (no judgment on that result). For me, there was an unusual (though pleasing) fleeting characteristic. I'm uncertain what it is; it's distinctive.

Nose: Faint peaty smoke, sweet and salty brine, with notes of apple and honeydew melon. Palate: A sweet, briny smoke hits immediately, followed by a slight bitterness akin to over-steeped black tea. Flavors of toasted seaweed, oats, and malted barley emerge. Finish: Salty, smoky seaweed notes with a light bitterness resembling burnt, wet seaweed. A salted green tea and caramel-like sweetness lingers, with a subtle honeydew melon sweetness in the background. Long-lasting briny smoke. Rated 80/100.

Wonderful whisky. Lucky to have had a serving at a restaurant that still had it, getting one of the last glasses for $11. Incredible notes of vanilla, caramel, coconut, botanicals, sherry-infused berries, chocolate, nuts, a distinctive earthy truffle quality, dried fruit, and faint wisps of smoke.

Tasted on January 1, 2015. The nose is light and subtly fruity. Lacks significant smoky or woody character. Its taste is quite different from bourbon, with an almost astringent quality that may require some adjustment. Better served on the rocks than neat. A hint of floral notes comes through, but it's not sweet.