Tokyo tastings: Nikka Yoichi 1991 & Rosebank 1983

Here's another whisky adventure from our travels to Tokyo. Went to a whisky bar aptly named Wodka Tonic tucked in a little corner near Roppongi hills with D and some friends.
Classic Japanese whisky bar - long wooden table, meticulously ordered shelves of whisky and the prerequisite bartenders in vests and bowties.
Some of the gems we saw at the bar were the Black Bowmore 1964 and Yamazaki 50 year (only 50 bottles available worldwide with a retail price of 1M Yen!). Unfortunately, they were way out of our price range and all we could do was take a whiff of heaven at the table. Fortunately, there were many other excellent whiskies available that were affordable. I now present you the Nikka Yoichi Single Cask 1991 and the Rosebank G&M Connoisseur's Choice 1983.

THE REVIEW

Comments: We liked the fresh fruity nose and taste of this one. Starts with an amazing burst of citrus and ends with elegant wood notes. Another testament to the great whiskies that Japanese are creating in modern times.

THE REVIEW

Comments: Another one of our favourites, the now defunct Rosebank distillery. Triple distilled goodness reveals the characteristic cut grass and floral notes. Light and fluffy, almost velvety texture. Excellent stuff.

Gordon and MacPhail Interleven 1990

This is one of the few Lowland whiskies that we have in our collection and shamefully so. I'm not sure why they are not more popular as they offer a light, refreshing twist to the heavier Highland and Islay drams that we are used to.

THE REVIEW

Comments: A floral bouquet of lilies takes you in when you take a whiff of this dram. An absolutely lovely whisky to sip in the afternoon over a book or with friends.

Rosebank Signatory Vintage 1991

Lowland malts are characterized by their light, floral notes and are typically regarded as a ‘beginner’s whisky’. As a result of poor marketing efforts and a flight by whisky lovers to heavier styles, such as Highland or Islay, this leaves only a handful of distilleries left in the region as many have been closed down (or ‘mothballed’ in whisky industry-speak), due to lack of business. One of the unfortunate casualties is the great Rosebank distillery, which is regarded by many as the best of Lowland whiskies. Thankfully, most of these gems are can still be savoured by buying from independent bottlers, who specialize in buying casks from these ‘mothballed’ distilleries and bottling it under their own label. The three big independent bottlers in the market now are Signatory, Gordon & MacPhail and Wm. Cadenhead.

The Sample

Our collection consists of one solitary bottle of Lowland whisky – The Rosebank Signatory Vintage 1991 (aged 13 years), Cask Number 4740, 4741, Bottle 312 of 651.

The Review

Conclusion: Chardonnay is the first flavour that came to our minds when we tasted this. Nice citrus and floral notes dominate this well balanced, exceptional whisky.