Courvoisier L'Essence Cognac vs Yoichi 20 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Courvoisier L'Essence Cognac | Yoichi 20 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Courvoisier | Yoichi |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | United Kingdom | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 52% |
| Age | NAS | 20 yr |
| Price | £3000 | £2500 |
| Rating | — | 4.33/5 |
Courvoisier L'Essence Cognac
Yoichi 20 Year Old
Courvoisier L'Essence Cognac
Yoichi 20 Year Old
Quick verdict
Yoichi 20 Year Old is rated higher (4.33 vs 0.00).
Yoichi 20 Year Old is better value at £2500 vs £3000.
For beginners: Courvoisier L'Essence Cognac is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Courvoisier L'Essence Cognac
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£3000 vs £2500)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.3)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Yoichi 20 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.3/5)
- +More affordable (£2500 vs £3000)
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
Who should buy Courvoisier?
Courvoisier L'Essence Cognac is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Yoichi?
Yoichi 20 Year Old is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Only Courvoisier L'Essence Cognac
Only Yoichi 20 Year Old