Nikka 1992 Coffey Grain Bottled 2005

Nikka Yoichi 15 Year Old

Our final entry comes from Nikka's first distillery, Yoichi, on Hokkaido island. It was founded by Masataka Taketsuru in 1933 (I believe Miyagikyo was founded in the 1960s). Yoichi malts tend to be more robust, and a little smokier, than what comes out of Miyagikyo. Besides this 15yo, there are 10, 12, 20 and NAS standard expressions. The nose is...

Score 94/100

Nikka Yoichi 15 Year Old

Yoichi is produced at Yoichi distillery, located on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island. The distillery belongs to Nikka Whisky Distilling Company that in turn is owned by Asahi Breweries. Nikka was established in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, one of the founders of the Japanese whisky industry. This is a rich nose! It starts with vanilla and...

Score 87/100

Nikka Yoichi 1991 Single Cask Malt cask #129459

This Yoichi single cask matured for a full 23 years in a virgin oak puncheon. It was distilled on 28 February 1991. In July 2014 it was bottled at a staggering 62% (which makes me believe it was not put to sleep at the industry standard of 63,5%). The virgin oak gave it a beautiful dark color. When the label says ‘heavily peated’, I naturally...

Score 91/100

Nikka Yoichi 10 Year Old

Colour is a fairly pale golden. Nose seems a little sweet and figgy. Very dusty and dry (like a sangiovese) with a hint of invert sugar. Like a molasses cookie. Finishes with a touch of fire and warmth in the back of the throat. Surprisingly delightful.

Score 76/100