Posts
A couple of years ago, the CA Scotch Couple were pleased to make the acquaintance of the lovely and intelligent Japanese Peat Chick. They first met this remarkable individual when she was casting around for a school at which to spend her year long sabbatical. Since her work is in an area very close to that of CA Scotch Gent, he was her primary contact here in San Diego.
During their first meeting at the University Club, the Japanese Peat Chick commented that she liked whisky, but that while she knew a great deal about the Japanese whiskys, she had limited knowledge regarding the whiskys from Scotland and would need some guidance. Now, CA Scotch Chick has been involved in a fair number of deals involving Japanese nationals, and has been drunk under the table by her clients numerous times, so she should have known better.
However, she recommended a fairly benign whisky, an Oban 14. The Japanese Peat Chick politely asked for something with a bit more flavor. The CA Scotch Couple next offered up a Glenlivet 18. Again, the Japanese Peat Chick politely asked for something with a bit more flavor. The CA Scotch Couple were baffled; these were pretty flavorful whiskys. Finally, out of desperation, the Japanese Peat Chick took the ordering into her own lovely hands and requested that the waiter bring a Laphroiag 15. The light dawned — that kind of flavor; the CA Scotch Couple's new friend was a peat lover!
The Japanese Peat Chick chose San Diego as the base for her sabbatical, and a friendship based on mutual admiration both for each other and for whisky was born. While the CA Scotch Couple have tried to share their knowledge of whisky from Scotland with the Japanese Peat Chick, they have definitely received more than they have given over the past year.
The Japanese Peat Chick's education both in academics and in whisky took place in Hokkaido, a large island in northern Japan. Hokkaido just happens to be the home of Nikka Whisky, the first Japanese whisky distillery. It was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky. Its offerings differ from whisky from Scotland in that the flavors are more intense; for example, the Nikka Yoichi 12 Woody and Vanillic resembles Highland Park on steroids, packing the palate with vanilla and butter. Consequently, while the Japanese Peat Chick was indeed searching for peat during that first meeting, it is understandable that she was also looking for something with a bit more flavor in general.
Each time the Japanese Peat Chick has made a voyage home, she has returned bearing gifts from the Nikka distillery for the CA Scotch Couple. Since much of what the Japanese Peat Chick has brought to the CA Scotch Couple is only available at the distillery itself, the CA Scotch Couple are well aware that they are truly privileged to sample this nectar from Japan.
The Nikka Line-up
Taketsuru Pure Malt, Single Cask 20, Single Cask 25, Yoichi 12 WV, Yoichi SS, Yoichi 15
The Japanese Peat Chick and her boyfriend, The Tax Attorney, came 'round the CA Scotch Couple's home the other day while he was visiting from Japan. The CA Scotch Couple set up their Drinks Table with a wide variety of whisky, including the line-up from Nikka, and while the Japanese Peat Couple indulged in the offerings from Scotland, the CA Scotch Couple focused on the Nikka whisky.
The Drinks Table
It was evening of friendship, fun, and a whole lot of whisky, and it gave CA Scotch Chick an excuse to finally review all of the wonderful Nikka whiskys the CA Scotch Couple have been privileged to sample over the year. Below please find CA Scotch Chick's reviews of Nikka Taketsuru 12 Year Pure Malt, Nikka Single Cask 20, Nikka Single Cask 25, Nikka Single Malt Yoichi 12 Woody and Vanillic, Nikka Single Malt Yoichi Sherry and Sweet, and Nikka Single Malt Yoichi 15.
