Nose: Tequilaesque pepper, butterscotch, ginger snaps, orange peel, marshmallows, oak, furniture polish.
Palate: Butterscotch, caramel, pepper, nutmeg, ginger snaps, salt oak, cocoa, nougat. A few drops of water brings out malt, juicy apples and pears and reduces the spices a little.
Finish: Oak, nutmeg, cocoa powder, ginger snaps, spearmint. With water green apple and malt.
Last Word: I prefer this with a few drops of water which engenders this whisky with a fresher, more lively character. Being fond of the older Blend of Nikka both the NAS 45% and the 17YO, I was hoping for some Yoichi smoke. None so far but it may develop as the level of liquid in the bottle diminishes. Classy bottle/presentation for a whisky that costs about $45-50 in Japan.
Rating: 83/100
As someone who has only been drinking whiskey for just under 2 years this so far has been my favourite whiskey. I got introduced via Kakubin and received this whiskey as a present from a family friend. The softness and sweetness really invited me to this whiskey and I’ve drunk more than half the bottle now. Unfortunately its discontinued now with another NAS replacing its place. Average price in Australia atm is $220+ so I better pick another bottle up soon I think!