Nikka Yoichi Single Malt

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt, NAS, 45 %

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt

The Nikka Yoichi Single Malt is the new NAS (No Age Statement) whisky that was launched after Nikka withdrew all their old age statement whiskies and their old NAS versions of Miyagikyo and Yoichi (more on that dramatic move here).

You can buy a bottle of the Nikka Yoichi Single Malt in the UK at around GBP 67.

Nose: Complex and bewildering is how I would describe this on first sniff. I'm getting mustard seeds and cucumbers - smouldering. I'm losing it, right? Right? Diving in for a second sniff... Dark caramel, vanilla, dried fruits, all rolled in ashes. Cedar wood. Hints of incense.

Taste: Cool and medium bodied character. Caramel, lime and rose water with a sprinkling of ashes. Soft oakiness.

Finish: Medium to short finish. Continues much as it started but seems watered down now. Milk chocolate and ashes in the end. Dies off a bit too quickly.

Comments: A wonderful introduction to medium peated, complex Japanese whisky. But you should have been able to progress to for instance the Yoichi 15 YO. Alas that is not possible now, but I would like to suggest you move on to Chichibu, as the have a number of peated wonders under their hat.

Score (85/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas