Nikka Single Cask Malt Whisky 1986/2008

Review by Nonjatta contributor - Serge Valentin

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"Yoichi 1986/2008 (59%, OB, cask #112112, Warehouse #15)
Colour: Pale amber.
Nose: Starts a tad meatier again, closer to the single cask version of the 1987s, and just like it. Then gets much sharper and ‘crystal clean’. Big notes of vanilla and lactones (a little too bourbonny here), then cinchona, ginger tonic, leather, moist tobacco and wet earth. The most organic version so far. Also hints of bubblegum and strawberry sweets. With water: much more development than with the 1987. Vanilla and lemon crème, fermenting hay, horse manure again... Nice nose, a lot of smoke and something medicinal after a while. Hospital.
Mouth (neat): Hot, peaty, earthy, minty and peppery, with also quite some orange marmalade and just hints of cough medicine (something ‘paraffiny’). With water: added notes of bitter oranges and gentian but other than that, no changes.
Finish: Rather long, more ginger and mint now.
Comments: Another very good one. There’s no bad single cask or small batch Yoichis! SGP:365 - 85 points." (Serge`s scoring system is explained on this page.)