Whisky: Yoichi Non-Peated Nikka Discovery 2021 Edition

Country/Region: Japan

ABV: 47%

Cask: Oak

Age: N/A (Bottled 2021)

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Nose: Maritime, fruity, saltwater taffy, tropical citrus, hints of cola, wood, chalk, minerals, malty sweetness.

Palate: Light-bodied, crisp and clean, citrusy, driftwood, minerals, tide pools, coconut, malty pastries.

Finish: Mild with driftwood, seashells, and citrusy candies melting in the sun.

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Score: 6 (77)

Mental Image: Fruity Boardwalk Exploration

Narrative & Notes: Maritime and fruity, the aroma was saltwater taffy merchants on the boardwalk as pineapple, tangerine, sour lemon, and cola candies appeared with sun-bleached driftwood. Slightly chalky and mineral at times, a sweet, mild maltiness lingered in the background with honey, sesame, and soft, salty coastal air. Light-bodied, the flavors were crisp and clean on the palate with plenty of bright lemon, pineapple, and mandarin citrus along woody driftwood and seashell minerality. The fruits were more vibrant and less candied than the nose, with salty tide pools and coconut pastries sketching out a morning on the beach. The finish was mild with driftwood, seashells, and citrusy candies melting in the sun. 

I was a touch apprehensive coming into this unusual Yoichi— no peat?!?  Maybe that is not so wild considering the large distillery produces a wide variety of different styles, most of which you can only try at the distillery, and special releases allow far more people to try uncommon, or unknown, distillery styles. While it obviously lacked the kiss of peat I love from Yoichi, there was a refreshing fruitiness and plenty of wonderful maritime brine. Easy drinking, it was a touch sweet for my taste, especially on the nose and finish.

Overall, a lovely diversion and a step up from some of Nikka’s prior special releases. Another one of those whiskies that is quite enjoyable, but secondary prices offer nothing short of disappointment.