Nikka, Yoichi

Japanese Single Malt Whisky

45% ABV

In 1918, a young Japanese man with an ambition to make genuine whisky went alone to Scotland to unveil the secret of whisky making. He is Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky.

In 2015, Nikka announced they were no longer producing their age statements and No Age Statement releases for the Miyagkyo and Yoichi labels and consolidating them into two new bottlings. The two No Age Statement versions differing slightly to the previous versions no represent the entire portfolio. This was another moving triggering a buying rush. There are reports that Tokyo is pretty well out of age statement Japanese whiskies with the exception of auction houses and bars. 

The resulting Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Japanese Whisky is flax, chardonnay in colour. The nose begins with candied almonds, malted milk balls, milk chocolate, maple , and nougat. Secondary scents of salted butter, lightly smoked, toasty aromas come through. The palate beings bittersweet, grainy, savoury, toasted bread like. The mid palate is medium texture caressing the palate the the dry flavour profile comes through. Finishes squeaky clean and tight. Very tasty, very well made. 

Tasting Notes

NOSE: Black earthy peat, smouldering fires, a turned-out pocket of briny seashells, whole lime, lemon twist, sugared orange, ground ginger, and liquorice.  

PALATE: Silky smooth, with light, fruity sweetness developing into tangy Spangles, kiwi, and lime juice. The smoky peat is deftly woven through the fruit structure’s warp.

FINISH: The finish is insanely long: menthol, peat, and leather.