Nikka Yoichi Woody & Vanillic Single Malt Japanese Whisky (500ml)

Nikka's Yoichi distillery on Japan's northern most island released these annual editions which have been notoriously hard to find. Usually only sold at the distillery, this one's named for the high proportion of Bourbon casks used in its maturation, so expect aromas and flavours American oak and a hint of vanilla.

Other reviews... Only WF 78 back in 2009, but that was the earlier 12 yo. Right, and that was 2009. Colour: deep gold. Nose: varnish, cellulose, vanilla, nail polish, sawdust… Quick, water! Although it seems that there’s some quince, always a hit at WF Towers. With water: good fruit syrup, vanilla, and cake crumbles. Some kind of breakfasty recipe, perhaps (we don’t do bacon in France!) Mouth (neat): my, this is barley syrup! But I quite enjoy this feisty mix, with coconut sweets, custard, candyfloss, and of course a lot of vanilla. Marzipan and macaroons, plus pineapples. Some similarities with the regular NAS. With water: a little simple, but more than good. Vanilla and oranges this time, with a mentholy background. Finish: medium, rounded, rather on maple syrup. Comments: excellent albeit a little ‘elementary’. But I guess that was the whole point in the first place. Very little peat this time, if any.
84 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com