Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Japanese Whisky 700ml

"Bold Japanese single malt with rich fruit, coastal peat smoke and a beautifully long finish."

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt is a cracking Japanese whisky with plenty of personality, particularly if you enjoy a little smoke in your glass. Produced on the rugged northern island of Hokkaido, this is a rich, powerful single malt that brings together gentle peat smoke, ripe fruit, warming spice and a distinctive coastal character. There's a lovely balance between the smoky and fruity flavours, with enough depth to keep things interesting without overwhelming the palate. If you're a fan of traditional Scottish single malts but fancy exploring something Japanese, Yoichi is a terrific place to start.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Gentle peat smoke, sea salt and soft oak, followed by candied orange, lemon zest, ripe orchard fruit and hints of nutmeg, ginger and delicate floral notes.

Palate: Rich and full flavoured, with layers of smoky peat, warming spice, fresh melon and citrus. Roasted nuts, dark chocolate and a touch of coastal saltiness add depth, while the fruit keeps everything beautifully balanced.

Finish: Long, silky and satisfying, with lingering smoke, ripe pear, plum, gentle spice and a distinctive savoury coastal character.

Serving Suggestions

Yoichi is a whisky worth taking your time over. Enjoy it neat to appreciate the balance of fruit, spice and gentle smoke, or add a few drops of water to explore its more delicate flavours.

It's also excellent over a large cube of ice, particularly if you prefer a slightly softer drinking experience.

For something different, try it alongside smoked salmon, grilled seafood, dark chocolate or a good blue cheese. The whisky's coastal character and subtle smokiness work particularly well with savoury flavours.

About The Distillery

Nikka Whisky is one of Japan's most celebrated whisky producers, founded by Masataka Taketsuru, widely regarded as the father of Japanese whisky.

After travelling to Scotland to study traditional whisky production, Taketsuru returned to Japan determined to create authentic Japanese single malt whisky.

In 1934, he established the Yoichi Distillery on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island. He chose the location for its cool climate, coastal environment and similarities to the Scottish whisky regions he had come to admire.

Yoichi remains one of Japan's most distinctive whisky distilleries, famous for its traditional approach and rich, powerful single malt character.

Unlike the lighter, more delicate style associated with some Japanese whiskies, Yoichi is known for its robust flavours, gentle peat smoke and subtle maritime influence.

The distillery continues to use traditional coal fired pot stills, a rare practice that contributes to the whisky's distinctive richness and character.

Today, Yoichi is highly regarded among Japanese whisky enthusiasts and offers a fascinating combination of Scottish whisky heritage and Japanese craftsmanship.

Cask and Maturation

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt is a non age statement whisky, created by combining carefully selected single malt whiskies of different ages from the Yoichi Distillery.

A significant proportion of the whisky is matured in former sherry casks, contributing richness, fruit complexity and a lovely rounded character.

The combination of oak maturation, gentle peat smoke and Yoichi's distinctive coastal influence creates a beautifully layered whisky with impressive depth and balance.

Details

Producer: Nikka Whisky
Distillery: Yoichi Distillery
Style: Japanese Single Malt Whisky
Region: Yoichi, Hokkaido
Country: Japan
ABV: 45%
Bottle Size: 700ml
Whisky Character: Rich, Smoky, Fruity & Coastal
Peat Influence: Medium