Discover Yoichi Single Malt Whisky from Hokkaido and Enjoy a Distillery Tour
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Yoichi: The birthplace of Yoichi Single Malt Whisky
Yoichi in Hokkaido is where Nikka Whisky founder Masataka Taketsuru arrived in search of the ideal location for whisky production. The town is located on the Northern side of the Sea of Japan and is surrounded by mountains on three sides. It is said to resemble not only Scotland's climate but also the town where Taketsuru learned how to make whisky.
In 1918, Taketsuru traveled to Scotland to learn about whisky production, and he incorporated the techniques he learned into his own manufacturing process. Since then, whisky-making worldwide has evolved towards more efficient methods, but at the Yoichi Distillery, Taketsuru's meticulous techniques have been faithfully preserved. The distillery was also the first malt whisky distillery in Japan to be certified by the globally renowned Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
The secret behind direct coal-fired distillation
To give the raw liquor an aromatic, powerful, and heavy flavor, Yoichi Distillery uses the same direct coal-fired distillation and equipment as the distillery in Scotland where Taketsuru learned to make malt whisky. The stills are single distillers with arms connected to a cooling device facing downwards, which means that various components other than alcohol remain, resulting in a complex, rich flavor.
Direct coal-fired distillation, in which the temperature of the distillation pot is heated to about 800-1,000 degrees using coal fires, requires the skill of a craftsman to maintain the appropriate overall heat level. Since it is difficult, inefficient, and costly, there are said to be very few distilleries in the world that still use this method of distillation.
Characteristics of the whisky produced at Yoichi Distillery
The characteristics of the whisky produced at Yoichi Distillery are described by a Nikka Whisky blender as "masculine, powerful, and profound"âa complex, rich flavor that evokes tradition and skill. It is also said to have the aroma of the sea due to the natural environment of Yoichi. The Yoichi Distillery is close to the Sea of Japan, and it is therefore not surprising that the barrels have absorbed the sea breeze over the years.
Get to know Single Malt Yoichi
Single Malt Yoichi is a precious single malt whisky made using only raw liquor distilled and aged at the Yoichi Distillery. It is highly acclaimed worldwide not only for its rare direct coal-fired distillation method but also for its quality and taste.
About Single Malt Whisky
Single malt whisky is produced exclusively from barley malt and distilled at a single distillery. While a distillery may blend different types of malt whisky, it's distinct from whisky blended from multiple distilleries. This allows the unique climate and character of the area where the whisky is made, along with the distillery's individual craftsmanship and attention to detail, to shine through in the final product. In this respect, Single Malt Yoichi can be said to be a whisky filled with the personality of the Yoichi Distillery.
Taste characteristics of Single Malt Yoichi
Single Malt Yoichi has a strong, rich, complex, and deep flavor that is characteristic of the malt liquor produced at the Yoichi Distillery. It has the aroma of aged barrels, the sweetness of malt, fruity notes, and an impressive smoky aftertaste. In the past, Single Malt Yoichi with aging periods such as "Yoichi 10 Years," "Yoichi 12 Years," "Yoichi 15 Years," and "Yoichi 20 Years" were also sold, but currently, due to a shortage of raw liquor, only non-aged whiskies are available.
The difference between Single Malt Miyagikyo and Taketsuru Pure Malt
In addition to Single Malt Yoichi, Nikka Whisky's malt whisky lineup also includes "Single Malt Miyagikyo" and "Taketsuru Pure Malt." Single Malt Miyagikyo is a single malt whisky produced at the Miyagikyo Distillery in Miyagi Prefecture, another of Nikka Whiskyâs distilleries. Unlike Yoichi, which is close to the sea, the whisky produced at Miyagikyo Distillery, located in the mountains of the Tohoku Region, is characterized by a rich, fruity aroma, and a refreshing aftertaste.
Taketsuru Pure Malt, on the other hand, is a malt whisky blended with raw liquor from the Yoichi Distillery and the Miyagikyo Distillery. When malt spirits from several distilleries are blended, the resulting product is often blended with grain whisky made primarily from grains such as corn and wheat. However, Taketsuru Pure Malt is made using only malt spirits from the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries and is easy to drink. The rich flavor of Yoichi and the gorgeous, fruity aroma of Miyagikyo are blended to create a highly refined finish.
Tour the Yoichi Distillery during your trip to Otaru
The Yoichi Distillery is located about 30 minutes by train from Otaru City, a popular sightseeing destination in Hokkaido. The Yoichi Distillery is considered a piece of Hokkaido Heritage, and valuable buildings registered as Tangible Cultural Properties by the country, such as the laboratory on the premises and the former Taketsuru residence. The site is also home to the Whisky Museum, the original office from when the distillery was founded, and a restaurant.
The Whisky Museum
The Whisky Museum is divided into two buildings that were renovated from whisky storehouses. One is the Whisky Hall, where you can learn about the history, manufacturing methods, and types of whisky, while the other is the Nikka Hall, which introduces the history of Nikka Whisky from its founding to the present day. There is also a corner displaying Nikka Whisky's old products and rare bottles. There is a bar counter in the museum, where you can drink special whiskies against a fee that are only available at the factory. Entry to the museum is free.
The Yoichi Distillery Tour
During the Yoichi Distillery Tour, you can see and learn more about the manufacturing process of Japanese whisky. In order to join the 70-minute-long tour, youâll have to make a reservation in advance, where an expert will explain the process in an easy-to-understand manner. Youâll see traditional methods such as direct coal-fired distillation, as well as aging methods in storage, making it a rare and valuable experience that you can't find anywhere else. You can also visit part of the private home on the premises where the founder, Taketsuru, and his wife Rita lived. The tour is free, but reservations are required.
Enjoy a free tasting session and stop by the souvenir shop
After the tour of the Yoichi Distillery, youâll be guided to the tasting area, where you can try three types of whisky, including Yoichi Single Malt. Carbonated water, and ice cubes are available at the tasting venue, so you can enjoy your drink the way you prefer. For participants who canât drink alcohol, the distillery prepares tea and juice.
The distillery also has a gift shop and restaurant, where you can pick up some souvenirs and take a break over a hearty meal.
Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
Address: 7-6 Kurokawa-cho, Yoichi-cho, Yoichi-gun, Hokkaido Prefecture
Official website: https://www.nikka.com/eng/distilleries/yoichi/
Enjoy a glass of Single Malt Yoichi during your trip to Japan
Single Malt Yoichi is a single malt whisky made using a distillation method that is rare around the world. If you visit Japan, be sure to buy a bottle and experience the special taste that can only be achieved by direct coal-fired distillation. While sipping your glass of Single Malt Yoichi, remembering the passion of the founder of Nikka Whisky may deepen your appreciation for the drink.
Explore more of Japan by using one of the many different transportation passes.
*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.
*Consuming alcohol under the age of 20 is prohibited by Japanese law, and these regulations also apply to international visitors and foreign residents in Japan. Please enjoy alcohol responsibly and donât drive after drinking. Please also check the alcohol import allowance of your country before bringing them back into your country.
