Nikka Yoichi Apple Brandy Wood Finish

Nikka Yoichi Apple Brandy Wood Finish, NAS, 47 %

This whisky makes up half of a pair that was released earlier this year by Nikka to celebrate “the 100th anniversary of Masataka & Rita’s marriage”. The other half of the pair is of course a matching Miyagikyo expression. The Masataka referred to above is Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru, and Rita was his Scottish wife Rita Cowan.

This expression is limited to 6700 bottles in total.

The Yoichi Apple Brandy Wood Finish will be available in Norway on Monday at NOK 2501 (12434701).

Nose: Where the regular Yoichi Single Malt has lighter sherry notes I find this replaced by a richer and deeper fruitiness here → apples and a hint of pineapple. There is something way in the back that smacks of dirty chocolate, soot, toasted oak and mild peatiness.

Taste: Full bodied and rich. Fruity, malty and sweet. in style. Almost chewy in character. Apples, grapes, pineapple (not sweet). Hints of peat.

Finish: Medium to long finish. A flash of bitter oranges, then back to “normal” with added oakiness in the end.

Comment: Again a delightful and complex dram from Nikka.

Score 90/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas