I didn't take detailed notes because this was a gathering of friends, not one of those sessions where I geek out and write more than I talk. So this post is going to be more of quick impressions than anything.
Let's start with the odd one out, shall we?
Kikori Whiskey (41% abv)
Colour - Paler than white wine
Nose - This is sake. Or shochu. Yea, shochu.
Palate - Barrel aged shochu. So, sweet rice wine with a touch of oak and spice. Classic yeasty notes, found in shochu and lower grades of sake.
Finish - This is shochu. Sweet and light finish, slight yeasty sourness.
Overall - This is not whisky, and should not be approached with whisky expectations. It's also got a long Japanese text written on the underside of the label (you can see a little bit of it in the picture). Maybe it's an apology for misleading marketing.
Might as stick with the Japanese theme...
Yoichi NAS (45% abv)
Colour - Hay/Straw
Nose - Light peat and smoke, fairly alcoholic. After calming down, it's got notes of malt, sea spray, and then some fruits. Mm. Apple and pear?
Palate - Spicy and light smoke. Nutmeg, cinnamon. Some vanilla and...savoury oiliness too. But fairly rough on alcohol. Maltiness and a hint of sourdough. Hmm. Maybe it's because it's a sampler bottle? Needs more time? Water perhaps?
Finish - A little sour, a little smoke. Oak too, and a bit more vanilla.
Overall - Simple, straightforward. This is more "manly" than several other Japanese whiskies. A little rougher and smokier. This could mature to become like a Springbank or Kilkerran. I think the basics of the taste profile are there. Or maybe, to aim a little lower, like a Benromach or Bruichladdich. Could. In the current price market, I'll never know what an aged Yoichi would taste like.
Ok, off to catch some football. The rest will have to wait.
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