Nikka Yoichi Single Malt

I opened up my Drinks by the Dram sample I got quite a while back from U.K. I thought it fitting while watching tonight's Jets game vs Colts. The burnt ember aroma symbolic of this seasons Jets team. I'm a huge fan of Yoichi, and still have fond memories of their 20 and 10. This NAS versions tricks you; the burnt aroma made me think I'm going to experience the 10 or 20 all over again. I was WRONG. Sly little devil tricked me. The aroma doesn't carry through into the palette. Really falls apart there. Weak orchard fruits and citrus. I'm not getting the same coal smoke infused flavors as I did in the 10 or 20. Finish is worse. Just bitter. I know there's no replicating 10 or 15 yr olds overnight, and there was no way to forecast the high demand that suddenly showed up for Japanese whiskies, but NAS versions like this truly does it a disservice.

The nose and entry has all the hallmarks of a Yoichi (I am a huge fan of the Yoichi 15) but then the delivery let's you down and you realize it's not. Such a shame considering nikka no longer makes any yoichi except this. If you see any 15s around grab it.