Whisky: Yoichi Rum Wood Finish, 2017 Special Release

Country/Region: Japan

ABV: 46%

Cask: Rum Cask Finish

Nose: Tropical citrus and dried mango by the marina with salty sea breezes, chalk, and the occasional hint of a diesel engine motoring out of the harbor; apples, pears, and grapefruit appeared with more time, occasionally subtle antiseptic swab poked in.

Palate: Medium-bodied, balanced mouthfeel, apple and pears, orchard fruits, hints of citrus and almond cookies, soft salinity throughout, hints of dried mango and sweet chili.

Finish: Medium-length with apple rind, hints of graham cracker crust.

Score: 5

Mental Image: Schooling Swedish Fish

Narrative & Notes: I poured this as dram #20 on a “Holiday Mystery Whisky Advent Calendar” and guessed it was a tween Balvenie in an ex-bourbon cask and bottled at just under 50%. I was shocked to discover that this was a rum-cask-finished Yoichi. I am usually a big fan of the distillery, yet, I did not love this.

I was so unsure of my review that I waited a month and returned to the whisky to see if my palate had reset, and I could find the same joy that many of the other tasters did. I did not. My score ticked up a bit, and the spirited prickle I felt the first time was more subdued. I still found occasional hints of something antiseptic, but the whisky did feel more coherent. However, the palate remained relatively simple and never delivered on the more varied fruits and maritime notions hinted at on the nose.

Overall, not every dram has to work for everyone, so I guess it is okay. I am possibly the odd man out on this whisky, as everyone else seemed to enjoy it.

Image Credit: Whiskybase