Nikka Yoichi Single Malt

Yoichi Single Malt brings a refined, smoky Lowland style to Japan.

Masataka Taketsuru was the son of a Sake producer. As a young man, he was sent to Scotland to learn the secrets of Whisky. He did … but he also learned about love. He met Rita Cowen—a Scottish lass whom he married and took back to Japan with him. He remained employed by other spirits makers for a few years, but Rita encouraged him to step out on his own. In 1934, he founded Yoichi Distillery and grows it to great success. Yoichi Distillery lies in southern Hokkaido and is surrounded on three sides surrounded by mountains, a terrain much similar to the one Taketsuru found in Scotland. Yoichi possesses its own cooperage and is particularly careful when selecting its hogshead barrels, which are made on-site using new oak.

The Yoichi Distillery now produces a wide range of Whiskies, but the Yoichi line still forms the heart and soul of the company. Demand for their exceptional spirits is high, and the simply named — almost Zen-like — Yoichi Single Malt is designed to help fill the need. This fine Japanese Whisky is comprised of their signature single malt spirits from a range of ages, blended to deliver a refined dram with mellow smokiness and an almost Lowland-style fruity, almost maritime character.