Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Shelf Review
Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.
Coming from Nikka’s Yoichi distillery located in Hokkaido, this single malt expression focuses on the peatier side of Nikka. Yoichi is one of the two famous Nikka distilleries – the other being Miyagikyo. Yoichi is also the first distillery built by Masataka Taketsuru (the father of Japanese whisky) and its location was chosen because of its proximity to the ocean, mountains, and excellent nearby water source. This expression highlights the smokier side of Nikka, with distillates of different ages used to create this Scottish Highland inspired whisky.
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 43%
Cask: Various
MSRP: Around $80
Distillery Name: Yoichi
Review Date: 2/10/21
Nose: Starts off with fruity notes of pear, melon, mango, with a smokey undertone. Immediately this reminds me of a fruit tart that has been left a little too long in the oven. Then come notes of vanilla, earth, fresh cut flowers, wet hay, and salt brine. Not exactly seaweed or iodine, but close. An interesting nose, an alludes to the costal influence of this whisky.
Palate: Sweet with light smoke. Seaweed, chocolate, and stewed fruits. There is a minerality here that juxtaposes well with the fruitier distillate. Notes of tangy orange and lemon try to poke through, but the seaweed and brine seem to take the lead here. Mouthfeel is decent, but not great.
Finish: Shorter finish that brings the smoke back to the forefront. Freshly cracked black pepper, light fruits, and a more floral finish round out an interesting slice of Japanese whisky.
