Yoichi Nikka Single Cask 23 Year Old, Virgin Oak Cask, Cask #100128, 2011, 61%

The virgin oak cask detail is welcome, but I wouldn’t use it to explain every note. The character described leans toward dark fruit, spice and salt, with peat and smoke alongside. That mix sounds more interesting to me than an oak-led take; the cask label doesn’t get to do all the talking.

Reviewed by OatmilkSoda

Nose

Delicate peat, Red berries, Dark chocolate, Light smoke, Coastal saltiness

Palate

Winter spice, Ginger, Oak, Dark fruits, Slightly salty

Finish

Long and spicy, Dark fruit sweetness, Chocolate, Grapefruit, Smoke