Head-to-Head Amrut Fusion and Nikka Yoichi 10-Two Exotics

[Quaich1]

I haven't had these two for a while so decided to match them head-to-head. For a traditional single malt scotch aficionado, I would consider these 2 "exotics", being from outside Scotland. Having said that, single malts from other countries often stand their ground against single malt scotch whiskies.

Amrut Fusion 50%abv

Nose: Turkish delight, stewed apples, sweet fruit, fresh-baked apple pie & cinnamon and dark plums.

Palate: Spice, After 8 mints (dark chocolate and mint), lungo espresso reminiscences with smokey essences.

Finish: Long, dark chocolate, mint and menthol, breath-freshening and clean.

Nikka Yoichi 10 Year 45%abv

Nose: Sweet honey, eau de toillete (lightly scented cologne), cookies and cream, hint of honey dew melon, papaya, black licorice notes and old-fashioned aniseed blackball candy.

Palate: Australian black licorice, leather, lemon twist and edgy.

Finish: Long, furniture polish, burst of deep oak tones and earthy.

My Comments Actually, these two measure up well in a head-to-head comparison. The Amrut Fusion could easily pass for a single malt scotch with bold notes. The Yoichi presents as more "edgy" and raw in some respects but is very appealing. Not much between them in many respects but I would have to give the edge to the Amrut Fusion.

Your Comments?
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"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)

[Alexppp]

I haven't tried the Yoichi but I was very impressed by the Amrut Fusion as well. Definitely one that measures up well next to its Scotch cousins.

[Keith]

I havent had the Yoichi 10 but i had it in my mind that it would be peatier than your note suggests Murray. Out of interest what is the price of Japanese whisky like on your side of the water, we would pay around £55 for the Yoichi 10.

[Quaich1]

[opelfruit]

Not entirely a fair head to head, yoichi is 10 years (12-15 equivalent scotch due to climate) and sherried. Amrut is 4-6 years and aggressive aging with no sherry, and it's 50% abv.

They are only similar in that they are single malts from somewhere that's not Scotland. Either way, good write ups. Both are in my personal top 10 distilleries.

I get a bit of earthy damp cardboard and sawn ends of planks in the Amrut. The Yoichi 12 is much better than the 10 if you get the chance, bit more money though.


overall I also prefer the Amrut to the Yoichi (the 12yr too), it's the one I'd buy every time and it's cheaper than the Yoichi.
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"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[opelfruit]

Incidentally, we have sections for Scotch, Irish, American, Japanese etc but I think we should have an "Other" too. There are so many good whiskies coming out of India, Taiwan, Australia and other Europe (UK and mainland) and there isn't anywhere to discuss them on here. Scotch makes up about 50% of my whisky, the rest comes from other countries so it's be nice to see then respresentin' on here.......?
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"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[Alexppp]

[opelfruit]

You're right but the aging is aggressive so it may display similar complexity but it's still quite different, more intense.

There are a lot of non-scotch that is as cheap as entry level scotch. Amrut Fusion for exam is only about £40 (?). Entry level Japanese are about the same; Hibiki 12, Hakushu and Yamazaki Distillery selects or whatever they are called. English is the same price for standard stuff and so is Pendryn from Wales
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"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."