Nikka Yoichi Peaty & Salty

Nikka Yoichi Peaty & Salty is a Key Malt bottling from the Yoichi distillery in Hokkaido, where the stills are fired directly with coal. The name points to its two themes, peat smoke and a salty sea character, which the cool climate near the bay is said to bring to the maturing spirit. The nose opens with charred, toasted oak, then sweet smoke, maple syrup, caramelised apple pie and fresh pine, with hints of grape and light tobacco. The body is full. The spice is clean rather than sharp, and peat comes through alongside toasted cereal, caramel and rich malt, with a slight bitterness at first. The finish turns softly sweet, with a salty sea breeze in the aftertaste.