Nikka Yoichi 20 Years Old 52% NV

Professional reviews

Whisky Notes (91)

It's a delicious and uniquely Japanese profile, but for some people it might be too extreme in its earthy savouriness. I love it though.
Nose
Big notes of cedar wood up front. Cigar boxes. Tobacco leaves. Old leather. Nice to see there's also an estery note (nail polish) but this fades away quickly. Dark forest fruits remain. After that, some earthy smoke, burnt cake and a little tar. Hints of dried mushrooms and soft spices. Incense as well. Light matchstick notes from the sherry. Excellent complexity and typically Japanese.
Taste
Punchy (bordering on pungent). Again quite savoury and leathery. Walnuts and roasted pecans. Deep, earthy peat smoke. Pepper, liquorice, anise, a pinch of salt. In the background a strong bitter-sweet harmony of burnt fruit cake and dark chocolate. Slightly sourish tobacco leaves.
Finish
Very long, smoky and chocolaty with traces of dry oak.

BOW (91)

Label
余市