About two and a half months ago, Nikka announced that their single malt range will radically change (the so-called ‘Nikka Shock’) which means no more age statements and the introduction of two new NAS expressions with a slightly different profile compared to the old ones.

So today, I want to say goodbye to the old Nikka singe malt range by reviewing a total of six expression:

1. Yoichi NAS
2. Yoichi 10 Years Old
3. Yoichi 15 Years Old
4. Miyagikyo NAS
5. Miyagikyo 10 Years Old
6. Miyagikyo 12 Years Old

Yoichi was founded in 1934 on the island of Hokkaido (the northernmost of the four Japanese main islands). The distillery (also called ‘The Icon’) is located less than a mile from sea and gets its water from an underground source that runs through peat. Thus it is not surprising that the house style is subscribed as “peaty and salty”. Interestingly enough, Yoichi’s small pot stills are still fired by coal, a traditional method that is no longer used by Scottish distilleries.

The Yoichi 15 Years Old “is drawn from several malt whisky casks, illustrating the diversity and richness of the whiskies made by the Yoichi distillery”. It is characterized “by a peaty, mature nose and a smooth, complex palate”.

Facts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:	Yoichi 15 Years Old
Age:	15 Years Old
Category:	Single Malt
Distillery:	Yoichi (Nikka)
Strength:	45.0% vol
Colored:	Yes
Chill Filtered:	Yes

Nose

Fresh and soft. Pears and peaches mixed with cinnamon roasted almonds. Balanced by a thick layer of peat in the background. Then varnish comes to light.

Taste

Smooth and oily. An interesting mix of sweetish and salty elements, poured together in a big cup of fresh pressed lemon juice. Followed by pepper and menthol drops. Afterwards, chili bitter chocolate, espresso and fresh flowers emerge.

Finish

Long and drying with a light citrus bitterness. Pepper, bitter chocolate and anise.  

Overall

Very smooth and elegant. The nose is not that peaty but I really liked the complex palate.

Score: 88 / 100