A top-class whiskey with an exceptionally diverse character. Traditional methods are used in its production. The Nikka Yoichi whisky has a refined body of coastal and peaty notes thanks to its special location and production process. An extremely balanced taste profile of smoke, peaty notes, a hint of nutmeg, dried fruit and chocolate - inspired by Scottish classics.
Historical path of a world-class whisky
Masataka Taketsuru founded a small distillery on Hokkaido in 1934. The town of Yoichi, with its own distillery, is located on Japan's northernmost island and produces a whiskey that has long been world famous. The young Masataka Taketsuru discovered his fascination for the art of whiskey distillery on a trip to Scotland. His parents once ran a sake brewery - in an old family tradition that he no longer wanted to follow. Fascinated by the Scottish distillery, he decided to take a new path in 1920 and produced his first own whiskey - the Nikka Yoichi whiskey. He chose Yoichi because of its environmental situation, which was similar to Scotland. The proximity to the coast and the local flora favored the taste of the single malt whiskey. Other distilleries followed his example and still produce the unusually aromatic Nikka Yoichi whiskey to this day. In 1984, the region sold its first single malt whiskey from Nikka. The "Hokkaido Single Malt 12 Years" thrilled the market and inspired connoisseurs - the foundation for the success that followed was laid.
Authentic character meets Japanese flair
A whiskey that was awarded the title of "Best Single Malt in the World" due to its exceptional aroma. The Nikka Yoichi whiskey has already won this prize twice (2002 and 2008) in the "Single Malt" category, surprising long-established Scottish distilleries. A shock for the conservative Scots and a surprise for many lovers and connoisseurs of the industry. The Nikka Yoichi whiskey distillery is located about a kilometer from the Sea of Japan and has a distinctive taste - salty, light peat and nutmeg notes - unmistakable, and strongly reminiscent of its Scottish role model, the whiskey from the "Isle of Islay". During production, old distillery traditions are preserved, which have long since become a rarity in Scotland. The direct coal heating of the aromatic single malt and the storage in oak barrels, made in the company's own cooperage, make this tradition-conscious whiskey an authentic one of its kind.
The Nikka Yoichi whisky distillery on Hokkaido, with an annual distilling capacity of 2 million liters of alcohol, is a small distillery, but nevertheless impressive when you consider its location and history. The Nikka Yoichi whisky is award-winning thanks to its carefully selected ingredients. The "Nikka Yoichi Whiskey 20 Years" is the first Japanese whisky to be awarded the "Best Single Malt Worldwide" award at the World Whisky Awards.
In addition to the well-known Nikka Yoichi Whiskey, the distilleries in Yoichi also produce blends. The basis for these is the special grain whisky. Made from a variety of grains, with malt from Scotland and combined with water from the nearby Yoichi River. The Nikka Yoichi whisky breaks with conventions and develops a full-bodied and incomparably unique aroma.
Nikka Yoichi Whiskey - diverse taste experience
High-quality ingredients are used in the production of Nikka Yoichi whisky. The traditional direct heating process with coal in particular promotes a diverse development of aromas. The geographical coastal location gives the single malt whiskey a subtle hint of salt. Inspired by traditional Scottish varieties, a smoky, chocolaty taste experience develops during the aging process. This Japanese Nikka Yoichi whisky really captures the authentic character of its exceptional location and invites you to enjoy it in a special way.
Summary
The Yochi distillery was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru in the town of Yochi on Hokkaido
In 1984, Nikka’s first single malt, the Hokkaido Single Malt 12 Years, was launched.
In 2008, Yoichi 20 Years became the first Japanese whisky to win the award for best single malt worldwide at the World Whisky Awards
The Yoichi distillery produces single malts but also blends with malt from Scotland and water from the nearby Yoichi River.
Technical information about the Yoichi distillery:
- Mash tuns: 1x 50,000 liters stainless steel
- Fermentation tanks: 1 x 40,000 liters and 9 x 20,000 – 28,000 liters made of stainless steel
- Stills: 2 “Wash Stills” with 7,000 litres capacity each, 2 “Wash Stills” with 10,000 litres capacity each and 1 “Spirit Still” with 13,000 litres capacity which are heated with steam
- Annual distillation capacity: 2 million liters of alcohol
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