Nikka Yoichi 12 Year

I am not entirely convinced by Japanese whiskey. Due to the recent explosion in their cost, driven by demand that has increased tenfold in the last few years, all of these bottles are becoming difficult to find. Ten years ago, however, these were the Ardbeg 10s or Balvenie DoubleWood's of Japan, and it's worth keeping that in mind. Once praised for being an underappreciated gem or good value, Japanese whiskies now tend to command the kind of prices that would get you an older scotch from the finest distilleries in Scotland. If the choice is between a 12-year old Japanese whiskey or a 15-year old scotch, those extra three years are going to make a big difference. In Yoichi 12's case, the experience felt like getting basic work after being promised the attention of a master craftsman. This whiskey has an air of vinegar to it or a fruit wine, and a palate of sweet tea, plums, and a mellow, herbal peat. There's still a tingling, ethanol edge, so it's safe to say that the older age statement Yoichis should be better (not that those are easy to find nowadays). The smoke from the peat reveals itself at the very end. Not worth the current price, this is worth maybe $50 a bottle in my opinion.

Sampled an older bottle with a cork stopper, likely from the mid-2000s. It rivals or possibly surpasses later versions of Yoichi 15/20. Aroma: Raisins, Dark Chocolate, Mackerels, Salted Toffee, Smoke, Brown Sugar, Peaches, Coconuts, Walnuts, Pecans, Burnt Honey, Sakura Taste: Raisins, Truffles, Dark Chocolate, Dates, Walnuts, Vanilla, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Brown Sugar, Toffee, Hoisin Sauce, Plums, Barbecue Beef Ribs, Blackberries, Mocha, Cranberries, Mackerels, Salted Cod Finish: Dark Chocolate, Raisins, Honey, Walnuts, Mackerels, Smoke, Apricots, Cashews, Smoke, Truffles, Cranberries, Blackcurrants, Morello Cherries, Coconuts

Subtly sweet on the nose. Mildly oaky with notes of honey and vanilla. Well-balanced with smoke and peat leading into a short to medium finish.

Smells more citrusy than peaty. Taste has mellow peaty notes and hints of oak and sherry. Nicely balanced, easy to drink.

Nose: apples, funky blue cheese, and nuts. Palate: ethanol, sharp, almonds. Finish: short, thin

a little tobacco bite, enjoyable with a single ice cube