Nikka
Whisky Yoichi Single Malt 0.7L
| Size | 0,70 l |
|---|---|
| Alcohol content | 45.0% by volume |
| Area | Japan (Japan) |
| Aging | Blend of single malts of various ages, matured in first-fill ex-bourbon hogshead casks; maturation influenced by the sea breeze (no age statement). |
- Hokkaido origin: Yoichi distillery in Hokkaido, established in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru
- Coal-fired stills: Gentle direct heating imparts a robust, smoky, peated profile
- Ex-bourbon casks: Aged in first-fill hogshead casks for richness and smoothness
- Coastal salinity: Maturation by the sea lends a unique briny, salty nuance
- Tasting & finish: Notes of dried citrus, melon, almonds, dark chocolate; lingering, silky finish
Description
What kind of spirit is this?
Yoichi Single Malt is a Japanese Single Malt Whisky produced by Nikka from a blend of single malts, bottled at 45% alcohol. Crafted through direct coal-fired distillation and matured in ex-bourbon casks, this expression reveals a deeply peated and smoky profile balanced by a distinct coastal salinity. The nose is refined, presenting gentle peat alongside dried citrus and fresh wood shavings. On the palate, it is bold yet remarkably soft, delivering structured flavours of melon, toasted almonds, and dark chocolate. It concludes with a long, silky finish defined by lingering herbal and earthy nuances.
Where it comes from
This spirit originates from the historic Yoichi distillery on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. The site was chosen for its cool climate, which closely reflects the environmental conditions found in Scotland. Immersed in this coastal setting, the maturing casks are exposed to the maritime air. The persistent Hokkaido sea breeze permeates the warehouse, imparting a distinctive salty note to the whisky. This natural brininess perfectly complements the robust and structured nature of the distillate.
How it is produced
Production relies on a remarkably slow distillation process using traditional direct coal-fired heating. This rigorous technique extracts profound aromas and builds a firm, clean structure. Following distillation, the spirit matures in first-fill hogshead casks previously used for Bourbon. This deliberate wood selection softens the intensity of the peat while enhancing aromatic depth. The careful blending of select malts ensures a smooth texture and a deeply satisfying sensory profile.
History and Heritage
Relaunched in 2016, this Japanese single malt pays tribute to the Yoichi distillery, established in Hokkaido in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru. He chose a climate remarkably similar to Scotland’s to perfect his craft. Today, the distillery still employs traditional direct coal-fired distillation, infusing the whisky with its signature smoky and briny notes. Treasured globally and a Gold medal winner at the World Whiskies Awards, this no-age-statement flagship elegantly captures the enduring legacy of the famed ‘Scotland of Japan’.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
14 -16 °C
Here he became deeply passionate about the world of spirits and came to see possible what had become his most important dream: setting up his malt distillery in Japan. For this reason, the young man enrolled at the University of Glasgow and started work as an apprentice at several Scottish distilleries.
Then, in 1934, Masataka Taketsuru's greatest wish began to take shape with the founding of the "Nippo Kaju" company, which was followed by the construction of the Yoichi distillery on the island of Hokkaido.
In 1952, the "Nippo Kaju" company changed its name to "Nikka Whisky", under which we know it today. It was so successful that a second distillery was set up on the island of Honshu in 1969.
Today, the Nikka distillery is widely recognised as one of the best whisky distilleries in Japan and worldwide. With a range of spirits that can perfectly satisfy all the tastes of the most uncompromising lovers of the category, Nikka's are some of the best Whiskies the market can offer.
From 'From the Barrel' to 'Coffey Grain', from pure malts to blended Whiskies, from single malts to long ageing Whiskies, those labelled Nikka are to all intents and purposes, among the most prestigious and excellent spirits in the world. Read more
| Name | Nikka Whisky Yoichi Single Malt 0.7L |
|---|---|
| Type | Single malt Whisky |
| Size | 0,70 l |
| Alcohol content | 45.0% by volume |
| Country | Japan |
| Region | Japan |
| Vendor | Nikka |
| Story | History and Heritage Relaunched in 2016, this Japanese single malt pays tribute to the Yoichi distillery, established in Hokkaido in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru. He chose a climate remarkably similar to Scotland’s to perfect his craft. Today, the distillery still employs traditional direct coal-fired distillation, infusing the whisky with its signature smoky and briny notes. Treasured globally and a Gold medal winner at the World Whiskies Awards, this no-age-statement flagship elegantly captures the enduring legacy of the famed ‘Scotland of Japan’. |
| Origin | Yoichi, Hokkaido, Japan |
| Climate | similar to that of Scotland |
| Production technique | Slow distillation with direct coal-fired heating (coal-fired stills) |
| Aging | Blend of single malts of various ages, matured in first-fill ex-bourbon hogshead casks; maturation influenced by the sea breeze (no age statement). |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |