‘Hakushu’ Hakushu 43% vs Yoichi ‘Peaty and Salty’ 55%

‘Hakushu’ Hakushu 43%

Slightly oily in a cold crushed kernel sort of way. Reserved and somewhat distant. Tiny bit of tobacco leaf, hints of dried bark and brown leaves, the impression of rain and grass stains on cotton gloves. Seaweed flakes. Not much else and not very convincing. Not the best from this great distillery. 80 pts.

Yoichi ‘Peaty and Salty’ 55%

Part of a trio which replaced the ‘decades’ specials at the visitor centre some years back. Meant to flaunt facets of the many coloured cloak Yoichi might don for its expressions. This one does as it says on the label. An elegant but effusive peat with earth, cedar smoke, mulch, dried twigs and smoked meat. Beguiling really, without the crassness of hyperbole. Also sailcloth, dry sandbags and salt crusted rocks. Hung with a saline humidity like a hot afternoon in a quiet bay. 86 pts.