Yoichi Single Cask Malt Whisky 1987/2006

Blank label similar to this bottling

Review by Nonjatta contributor - Serge Valentin

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"Yoichi 1987/2006 (63%, OB, LMdW, cask #113200, Warehouse #15)
Colour: Pale amber.
Nose: Certainly the most ‘Ileach’ of all five at first nosing, and the most ‘caramelly’ as well. Quite a bit of sulphur. That may come from the very high alcohol, so with water: once again, we aren’t too far from the last distillery on Kildalton here. Peaty, tarry, fruity (cider apples, lemons) and the most coastal of them all (seashells). Hints of paraffin.
Mouth (neat): Maybe the better balanced despite its high strength – or so it seems. Very spectacular notes of ‘earthy leather’, with a very nice bitterness. With water: again and again, we’re on Islay, with big tarry and liquoricey notes mixed with apple compote and quite some salt. On second thought, we may be on Skye.
Finish: Very long, with more pepper.
Comments: A big, wild Yoichi, maybe less ‘crafted’ and ‘engineered’ that its siblings. Maybe this style has something to do with a different set-up of the stills, maybe the excellent Chris at Nonjatta’s has the answer… SGP:646 - 88 points. " (Serge`s scoring system is explained on this page.)

In answer to Serge's question, I have no idea at the moment why this one would be so different. I will try to remember to pose the question to someone better informed when I get the chance.