Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Japanese Whisky (70cl, 45%)

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt is a Japanese single malt from Hokkaido, bottled at 45% in a 70cl bottle. It is a no age statement whisky, released after Nikka retired the age-stated Yoichi and Miyagikyo bottlings in 2015 and brought them together in two new expressions. Nikka was founded by Masataka Taketsuru, who travelled to Scotland in 1918 to learn how whisky is made. In the glass it is pale flax in colour. The nose offers candied almonds, malted milk balls, milk chocolate, maple and nougat, with salted butter and light smoke behind them. The palate is bittersweet, grainy and savoury, with a toasted-bread character and a medium texture. It finishes clean and tight.