Nikka Yoichi Peaty & Salty is a distillery-exclusive single malt available only from the Yoichi Distillery shop in Hokkaido, not commercially distributed and released at 55% volume. DISTILLATION: The malt spirit is distilled in pot stills heated directly by coal fires. The stills have straight heads and downward-pointing lyne arms. Distillers control the heat by adjusting the amount of coal burned. Matured in peat-forward casks to accentuate Yoichi's natural smoke signature, this is the 'Peaty & Salty' component of the Key Malts series SUGGESTIONS: serve neat in a Glencairn at room temperature, the peat smoke presents itself immediately. Allow several minutes. Add a few drops of water: the Hokkaido sea spray becomes more pronounced, a briny salinity that is entirely distinctive. Add 5 more: warm coal, wet peat and caramel reveal themselves from beneath the smoke
Tasting notes
Amber.
Brine, vanilla and honey, with a trace of smoke.
Medium-bodied, with peat, medicinal iodine, oyster shell and seaweed over honeyed sweetness.
Ash and herbs, with light salt, smoke and honey, ending on a slightly acrid note.