Nikka Yoichi Aromatic Yeast Single Malt 2022 (48%)

Nikka Yoichi Aromatic Yeast is a single malt from the Yoichi distillery on Hokkaido, released in 2022 as part of the Nikka Discovery series. It is bottled at 48% ABV, is not chill-filtered, and 4,800 bottles were produced. The series looks at experiments at different stages of whisky making. This edition focuses on yeast, which gives an ester aroma likened to Ginjyo sake. The nose is herbal, salty and peaty, with fruit, flowers and mint coming through with time. The palate is firm and robust, and the finish is long, with white grapes, plum and a fine layer of liquorice.