Nikka Yoichi 5 Y,O. "Genshu cask" re-charred cask #406182

sample from a friend

Nose: Light and delicate. It almost has something of a malty recent Springbank with a touch of waxy lemon from Clynelish, too. Obviously on very good footing. Sweet clean malt, a hint of smoke and the pith of sweet lemon. A few grains of salt, too. Orange and a few daffodils, and other muted flowers. (with water) Really opens up the strength of the aromas. Smoke plays so well with the sweet malt and pith. Really lovely here. Sour flowers.

Palate: Oily and rich on entry. The midpalate is full of leathery ash. Smouldering cigar ash (bitter), residual malty sweetness. A very faint coastal quality. (with water) The ash is a little more mellow -- still big -- and it lets the other elements play a more significant role to demonstrate balance.

Finish: Lemony ash, salt, sweet and softly bitter pith. Really all the same. It's impressive how the stuff goes from so graceful to such a powerful ash monster. Delicious, and swims extremely well.

Find where to buy Nikka Yoichi whisky