Nikka Yoichi 15 Yr. Japanese Whisky

Three very excited Astor whisky guys and one bottle to crack open! Why excited? Because how often does one get to try something that has the pedigree and history of Nikka, yet has never been available in the US until now? Plus, there was the added bonus of Mr. Bowles's superb culinary skills to be sampled! This Single Malt whisky is from Nikka's "Yoichi" distillery, which uses direct-fire heating of the still using local powdered coal. This is interesting, because combined with the shortened-neck still, it has a direct effect on the taste of the whisky. In this case it creates an oily, tar-laced profile. The nose on this whisky kept evolving from rich fruit and salty baked apple to the dark chocolate scent you get left on the wrapper on a warm day! The taste: oil, creamy fruit, salty caramel and a finish of tar smoke.