Nikka Yoichi 20 Year Genshu "New Cask" #100126

sample from a friend

Nose: Hm, generally a similar quality to the 10 year old Genshu new cask that I just tried. Apples and vanilla. Clearly more age here, and there's some of the old glue note from the oak. A soy and smoky whisper, not fully a note, a few layers back. Oak and a rich, fruity forest. Pineapple, mango, papaya, and other assorted tropical fruits. Very slightly disjointed and curious; it just works here. (with water and a lot of time) The apple remains, more subdued, and the spice box and incense develops and matures. Almost like sticking your nose right up near the flame of a burning incense stick.

Palate: Sharp. A little fizzy. Easy to forget that this is 60% until you dive too deep. Care is needed! Sandalwood, spice, and incense. No, no trend here. Cinnamon. Generally less fruity than the nose. A pinch of salt as it calms down. Slightly more acidic than the 10 year, but it provides a structure here. Let's see how it does with a few drops of water. I don't want to dilute it too much. (with water and time) More of the same, except light peat and smoke emerge more, precise and delicate, hiding some of the wood and spice, and in rather top form.

Finish: Still all the same as before. It really is like being right near a burning incense stick made by a master of a lost art from a world removed. The aromas just grow and expand from the empty glass; I don't even want to wash it. Just an utterly outstanding nose.

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