Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Whiskey 750ml

Masataka Taketsuru built the Yoichi distillery in 1934 as Nikka's first, choosing the Hokkaido coastal town for its resemblance to the Scottish landscapes where he learned distilling. This no age statement bottling debuted in 2016, vatting together malts of various ages after rising demand outpaced the supply of older stock, and it now serves as the distillery's flagship expression, capturing the essence of Yoichi in a permanent release.

Yoichi remains one of the few distilleries in the world still using direct coal-fired pot stills, a labor-intensive method that gives the spirit a distinctive roasted, robust character. The distillery's proximity to the Sea of Japan means the whisky picks up a subtle briny influence as it matures, and the peat used comes from Scotland. Whiskies of varying ages are blended together to construct this single malt, which is bottled at 45% ABV and meets the standards set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association for labeling as authentic Japanese whisky.

Soft smoke mingles with apricot and baking spice on the nose, while the palate delivers a balance of gentle peat, orchard fruit, and toasted nuts. Dried orange peel and dark chocolate add depth through the middle. The finish runs long and silky, closing on ripe pear, plum, and a lingering trace of smoke.