Nikka Single Malt Yoichi is the flagship expression from the Yoichi Distillery on the island of Hokkaido, the first distillery built by Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru in 1934. Having trained in Scotland, Taketsuru chose Yoichi for its cool climate and coastal setting reminiscent of the Scottish whisky regions, and the distillery remains famous for its traditional direct coal fired pot still distillation, a labor intensive method almost no one else in the world still practices. This no age statement single malt was released in 2016 as a permanent bottling to capture the authentic house style after the age stated Yoichi range was retired, and it vats together various Yoichi malts to express a delicate balance of peat, smoke and fruit. Distilled entirely from malted barley and matured in a combination of new American oak and sherry casks, the whisky benefits from bracing sea air and salty breezes off Ishikari Bay during aging, which lend a briny, maritime edge. It officially meets every criterion of the Japanese whisky standard set by the Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association, so this is genuine single origin Japanese single malt. Bottled at 45 percent alcohol by volume, it pours a light gold and opens with a bold nose of peat smoke and sea brine layered with candied citrus peel, nutmeg, dried fruit and honeyed malt. The palate is rich and lightly oily, weaving smoky peat with orchard fruit, salted caramel, coffee, walnut and a hint of dark chocolate, before an impressively long finish of lingering smoke, leather and tropical fruit. Bold, layered and coastal in character, it drinks beautifully neat, with a few drops of water, or in a Japanese highball. A benchmark of Japanese single malt.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Nikka |
| Distillery |
Yoichi Distillery (Hokkaido) |
| Producer |
The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co., Ltd. |
| Category |
Japanese Single Malt Whisky |
| Age |
No age statement (permanent release since 2016) |
| Distillation |
Direct coal fired pot stills; peated malt |
| Maturation |
New American oak and sherry casks |
| ABV |
45% |
| Proof |
90 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Japan |
| Region |
Yoichi, Hokkaido |
Tasting Notes
Color: Light gold.
Nose: Bold peat smoke and sea brine with candied citrus peel, nutmeg, dried fruit and honeyed malt.
Palate: Rich and lightly oily, smoky peat with orchard fruit, salted caramel, coffee and walnut.
Finish: Impressively long with lingering smoke, leather and tropical fruit.
FAQ
What is Nikka Single Malt Yoichi? It is the flagship no age statement single malt from Nikka's Yoichi Distillery on Hokkaido, known for peaty, maritime character and coal fired distillation.
What proof is it? It is bottled at 45 percent alcohol by volume, which is 90 proof.
Is it a genuine Japanese whisky? Yes. It meets every criterion of the Japanese whisky standard defined by the Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association.
Does it carry an age statement? No. It is a no age statement release, introduced in 2016 as a permanent expression after the age stated Yoichis were discontinued.
How should I drink it? Neat, with a few drops of water, or in a Japanese highball.
Where can I buy Nikka Single Malt Yoichi Japanese
