After Hakushu, Yoichi, for my money, makes the best single malt whisky in Japan. The distillery itself is a delight, and well worth a visit. Hokkaido in many ways reminds me of Scotland. This particular expression, at least the bottle I picked last week, is decidedly peaty, young but feisty, and compares well to offerings from Wolfburn and Kilchoman. Some of the 15 year old cask strength Yoichis I’ve had rank up there with my favourites of all time. But with age statement Japanese whisky being increasingly hard to find, even here in Japan, I’ll take this till the next time I’m up in Hokkaido and can get to the distillery itself. Don’t pay attention to the naysayers, this is quality distillate, offered by people who really know their stuff.