Nikka Yoichi 20 2005/2026 - Artist Collection - Mizunara New Oak

This is a 20 year old single malt from the Yoichi distillery on Hokkaido, part of the Nikka Artist Collection. It was distilled in 2005, bottled in 2026 and matured throughout in new Mizunara oak, with 297 bottles filled. Yoichi's coal-fired stills shape its smoky, mineral style. The label was designed by Yoshiki Hase. The nose combines ripe apples and pears with cedar and sandalwood, ginger, and a maritime note of salt and smoke. On the palate are creamy caramel and strong malt with peppery spice and salty touches. The finish is long and dry, with cedar and ginger, and an echo of pepper, salt and smoke.