Nikka Single Cask Malt Whisky 1991/2007
Blank label similar to this bottling
Review by Nonjatta contributor - Serge Valentin
Visit Serge`s website, the definitive Whiskyfun.com.
"Yoichi 1991/2007 (62%, OB, cask #129493, Warehouse #15)
Colour: Amber.
Nose: Really straighter, more vivid and more ‘mineral’ peat smoke than the 1986. The driest and the most austere of all, but maybe that’s because of the very high strength, so let’s add water right away. With water: big fruits and big peat, an excellent combo, well above the 1986 and 1987s in my opinion. Superb waxiness and leafiness, notes of marzipan-filled dates, fresh putty, macadamia oil, limejuice… A great nose.
Mouth (neat): Big and very punchy Similar to its siblings. Maybe a tad grassier and bitterer but, once again, water is obligatory. With water: oh yes, the best so far, no doubt. Straight ‘coastal’ peat, fresh nuts (almonds, walnuts), lemon zests, coriander, cardamom, sage, green pepper, heart of palm… Totally excellent.
Finish: Long, a tad sweeter and rounder now. A little mild in the after taste. Comments: Goody-good! My favourite so far and by far. It seems that they increased the peat levels at Yoichi between 1987 and 1991 (but I may be way off the mark here). SGP:467 - 90 points." (Serge`s scoring system is explained on this page.)
The image is an altered version of a different bottling pictured on the Whisky Museum site.
Comments
I agree with Serge, it's probably one of the best vintage single casks ever released by Yoichi.
If only I could find another bottle !
I was at the Yoichi distillery last week (part of the La Maison du Whisky trip from France), and I was so hoping to find rarities there... There was indeed some distillery-only bottlings (very nice btw), but no vintage single casks.
Anyway the visit of the distillery was a dream come true to me, and Kamiguchi-san had planned a thorough visit including many places forbidden to public access.
We had a tasting of no less than 7 single casks (not for sale), from the 12 yo peaty and salty to 25 yo sherry casks... And you know what ? Yoichi rules :-)