jake-theo
Nikka Yoichi Single Malt
Single Malt — Japan
Reviewed
August 15, 2017 (edited May 13, 2018)
I tried this a while back... And I forgot to review it: well it's soft, vanilla, caramel, the texture is watery, a tiny bit of spice, there is more American oak influence than sherry. The flavours in this one seem to hum quietly with green, early spring fruit, essentially it's a young whisky, one that craves to be mixed with Miyagikyo, it's bolder sibling, to create Nikka Taketsuru. I am sure I am mostly alone in thinking that Miyagikyo and Yoichi alone, as NAS whiskys, are not worth much and I can only bemoan the loss of many aged whiskys from Japan. I recommend Nikka from the Barrel and Nikka Taketsuru over this.
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@jake theo: I have been here all the time, publishing my reviews every week or two... Besides, I do agree that Nikka From the Barrel is probably much better in terms of value for money. I tried to find any of the discontinued Nikka Single Malts while I was in Japan, but it was too late. That's probably one reason why I am more focussing on Suntory's malts with age statement, rather than wasting much money on Nikka whiskies.
@Slàinte Mhath But I haven't heard from you in ages!! How are you?
@Slàinte Mhath decent... The prices are on a par with Suntory here in France. It was tough to choose between a 2 and 3 out of 5. Yes, I see that strive for perfection, but in France, there are many whiskys below the 3 year limit (Guillon 43, Michel Couvreur Clearach) that are very impressive and far more satisfying than Yoichi NAS. I would try this whisky again for a more precise review... But I remember it being rather insipid.
I had the same initial reaction as you describe here. Having visitied Yoichi distillery last year, I was thoroughly disappointed when I first tasted the new NAS Yoichi, in comparison to the discontinued Yoichi Single Malts. Yes, I do agree with you that this whisky does not have the depth and complexity of a Yoichi 15. However, when it comes to NAS expressions, there is a huge difference between Scotch and Japanese malts. Having spent quite some time with this dram, I must disagree with your conclusion: taking into account ever increasing prices for Japanese whiskies, this Single Malt is decent. Not great, but decent. Nikka is simply following a different strategy than Suntory: their expressions are still available and not as shockingly expensive as the (better) Suntory whiskies. With that being said, I can still see the strive for perfection in this spirit, although I'd always prefer a Yoichi with age statement.