Nikka Yoichi 10 Year Single Malt

I think I preferred this to the old 10-year-old. The old 10 had a strange mushroom-like funk, while this one is brighter and bolder. Aroma: Bananas, Marshmallows, Caramel, Apricots, Vanilla, Almonds, Cherries, Brown Sugar, Sakura, Yellow Plums, Quince Pears Palate: Bananas, Bubble Gum, Cantaloupes, Smoke, Vanilla, Strawberries, Lavender, Cherries, Honey Finish: Bananas, Apricots, Vanilla, Marshmallows, Bubble Gum, Smoke

A light, yet expressive malt-driven aroma with a hint of peat. A delightful entry on the palate, offering a fruity, sweet, and crisp character. It's quite smooth and round on the tongue. As the experience unfolds, subtler notes of sandalwood, whole wheat toast, pastry crust, and mild pepper emerge. It finishes semi-long, concluding with a dry, piquant note. In summary, this marks an excellent start to a new annual series from Nikka.

I really like this one. It still has the pear characteristic of standard yoichi, with added sweetness and depth. However, I'm not sure if I prefer it over standard yoichi, which has a bit more character.

Smell: sharp, acetone, smoke, herbal, dust Taste: spicy, a little bit of caramel, vanilla, wood, peat, briny Finish: oaky, bitterness, ginger, honey, peat smoke, tobacco, salt

Very similar to standard Yoichi but with a bit more sweetness, body, and richness. However, it sacrifices some of its light, refreshing quality.

色は濃いめの琥珀色。ノンエイジの余市よりも濃く甘い、マンゴーやバナナのような南国のフルーツのアロマ。オークなどの樽香もノンエイジよりある。味わいがとてもまろやかでノンエイジよりスモーキー。味わいにシェリー感やタンニンもあり。