Nikka Yoichi Single Malt (70cl, 45%)

Nikka Yoichi is a Japanese single malt at 45% ABV, in a 70cl bottle. It comes from the Yoichi distillery on the island of Hokkaido, built by Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka, after he studied whisky-making in Scotland. The distillery sits near the sea in a cool, damp climate similar to Scotland's. The spirit is distilled in coal-fired copper pot stills, a method that demands skill and experience. Flavours include chocolate, almond, hazelnut and dried cherry, in a well-balanced whisky. The smoke is strong, though less peaty than an Islay whisky.