Nikka Yoichi 10 Year Single Malt Whisky
by Nikka Whisky
$165.50
For many years now whisky fans (us included) have lamented the loss of age-stated single malt whisky from Nikka. Many consider Nikka to be the finest whisky-makers in Japan, and the 10 year whiskies from Yoichi and Miyagikyo are what much of this reputation was built on years ago. But Japanese whisky exploded in popularity, and producers didn't have enough well-aged stock to keep up with demand. Luckily it looks like we may be seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, as expanded production just following that boom in popularity is beginning to see the light of day and we are seeing a return to form.
This 10 year old is from Nikka's Yoichi distillery in Hokkaido, the northerly island sat atop the Japanese mainland. This is Nikka's take on peated whisky, though the character is more of a wispy sly charmer than the peat monsters many may be used to from Islay Scotch. On the nose, honeysuckle, pear, fino sherry, smoked honey, and a hint of mint chocolate welcome you. The palate is rich, but vibrant and almost tropical. There is just a hint of earthy smoke enveloping brighter notes of pineapple, vanilla cream, honey, apples, and pastry notes. The texture is pleasantly oily and viscous, drinking more like a whisky at 50% than 45% - a noted improvement over its admittedly lovely non age-stated sibling. The finish holds on to the rich, almost musty honeyed notes with that hint of smoke remaining until the end.