Nikka Yoichi Single Malt

Event: Sydney Whisky Show, May 20th, 2023. Sample #23. Nose: A smoky and subtly briny scent. Notes of malted milk chocolate, almond nougat, butter, bright citrus (like lemon sherbet or lemongrass?), and pear. As it rests, oak spices and grassy qualities appear alongside an earthy undertone. Palate: The initial taste is smooth, slightly sweet, and gentle, with a focus on malt extract and toasted grains that might not be obvious at first, as fruity, honey, and caramel flavors mask its substance. Smoke is present throughout, but it's a well-integrated and refined smoke, not quite the same as oceanic Scottish peat. The mouthfeel is creamy and a bit oily. Finish: Lasts a medium to long time. Flavors of milk chocolate, honey, stewed fruit with resinous tannins, and a lingering sweet smoke. A remarkably well-balanced and refined peated malt whisky, demonstrating the potential of the Yoichi distillate, even with limited aging. It possesses a unique aroma – I wonder if mizunara casks were involved in these batches? Unlikely. Highly enjoyable. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be “calming” or “restorative.” I tried this late in the afternoon after many other whiskies, and while my palate was tired, this offered a welcome sensory reset. Rating: 84/100 (3.75 stars)

Nose: Mild smokiness and peat aroma, fruity, perhaps orange peel, then some Christmas spices and woodiness appear the longer you inhale. Palate: Peaty, smoky, dried apricots, vanilla, and a noticeable but gentle spiciness. Finish: Medium, oaky, the smoke and fruitiness linger, and then a herbal note emerges at the very end. Overall: Very well-balanced and quite approachable for a smoky whisky; it's not the most intense or exciting whisky ever, but it's a tasty dram that always goes down nicely. Unfortunately, like most Japanese whiskies, it's a bit expensive outside of Japan for what it is.

Aroma: distinctly coastal in nature. There is indeed an ocean spray note. A very light, gentle peat; I can see the notes of moss and cedar mentioned in the tasting descriptions. Hints of chocolate, candied citrus. Hints of honey, caramel, and brown sugar. Taste: smooth, yet full of robust character. Coastal salinity remains a primary element. Chocolate-covered orange, very light peat, warming oak. A light baking spice, and gentle sweet honeyed malt. Finish: the peat is certainly most noticeable here. Baking spice and a more prominent oaky character.

By far my preferred Japanese whisky to date. Masataka Taketsuru truly learned from the finest Scottish distilleries and brought that knowledge to Japan. This blend vividly expresses a combination of Campbeltown, Islay, and Speyside influences. It’s full-bodied and rich! On the nose, it’s briny, with notes of BBQ, honey sweetness, baked apple, and bonfire. On the palate, it delivers tobacco, honey, pork BBQ, smoke, and pepper. It’s a superb experience, and I would always have this bottle ready for special occasions. A beautiful and complex whisky, as it should be! Slainte Mha!

Nose: Plenty of tart green apple, floral honeysuckle, and lemon peel. After some time, hints of vanilla cream, sea breeze, toffee, and subtle wood appear. Palate: A touch of seaside peat, with a mild smokiness. Lingering bitter wood, soft, pliable malt, and sweet vanilla. As the palate adjusts, more green apple notes emerge alongside a peppery spice, possibly white pepper? A pleasant salty/peaty character develops into the finish. This bottle might be slightly past its prime, but it's still enjoyable. Finish: Moderately short, with toasted wood on the exhale.

Aroma: I haven't had whiskey in a while, so I'm much more sensitive to the peat in the aroma here. In previous tastings, I didn't notice it much because it's very light. This time, I definitely detect a strong coastal influence, a powerful salt air, and a noticeable but balanced peat pungency. Vanilla, caramelized sugar, candied orange peel. Taste: chewy malt, brine, a touch of smoke and peat. Citrus zest, sweet vanilla and oak. Finish: a nice minerality, oak tannins, and a hint of brine.