Mind Over Matter – Yoichi Single Malt
One of the last drinks I mixed before Dry January 2024. I always enjoy mixing with Japanese whisky. In this case, I had the chance to create a Rob Roy variation with the Yoichi Single Malt.
The Nikka Yoichi Single Malt is distilled in Hokkaido. Nikka uses peated malt for the production of the single malt. On top of that, the no-age-statement version is aged in three different types of barrels, ex-bourbon, sherry and new oak casks. In the end, the whisky is bottled at 45 % ABV.
Slight smoke and Japanese refinement
I am happy to have tasted the Yoichi 15-year-old. So, clearly there are certain elements in the no-age-statement version which remind me of it. You can taste some peat smoke which is elegantly integrated into the overall taste. Yet, this version is way more peppery. After a while certain spice notes come to the front of the taste.
Triple Yuzu
At first, I wanted to mix a Japanese inspired Old-Fashioned variation with the Yoichi. Yet, after some thought, I went with a Rob Roy version instead. So, I added a bit of Yuzu eau de vie and used the excellent Mancino Sakura vermouth. For the bitters I went with a combination of Yuzu bitters and Ms Better Bitters Mt Fuji Bitters.
0,75 cl Tinnauer Yuzu Eau de Vie
3 cl Mancino Sakura Vermouth
2 Dashes Ms Better Bitters Mt Fuji Bitters
Stir – strain – chilled Cocktail glass;
Garnish: Brandied Cherries;
Song: Young the Giant – Mind over Matter;
At first, the ‘Mind Over Matter’ reminds me of a classic Rob Roy. Yet, despite the peat smoke of the Yoichi, the drink is more delicate. There is a certain intriguing combination of citrus notes and cherry blossoms. The peach notes of the Mt Fuji bitters also work great with the rest of the ingredients.
*The fact that I received a product reviewed in this article for free, did not – in any way – influence the rating of said product. The whisky was provided by Borco Markenimport.
