Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Whisky

Apr 1

We’ve talked about it before - Japanese whisky is running out of aged stock. Even that statement is probably outdated at this point. Distillers are putting more distillate into barrels than ever before, but the one thing you can’t replace is time.

Nikka was no exception to this. In 2013, ‘14, and ‘15, Nikka was hurting for aged stocks for its single malt category (notably, not for its other lines, since grain whisky is not in short supply). As a result, in 2016 they released the Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Whisky, a NAS blend of single malts. No age statement? No problem.

This is a great blend, bar none. Besides having the classic Nikka Yoichi flavor profile (gentle peat, sweet orchard fruits, creamy mouthfeel), it also has a unique tangible and intangible factor in its favor: the Yoichi Distillery has its own cooperage on site. With full control over their own wood sources, they use new oak for their barrels. I can’t emphasize that enough - almost every non-American distillery in the world uses ex-bourbon barrels or some other already-used barrel. The costs for using new oak are higher - but it’s clear that it makes a difference.

Let’s jump back a bit here - remember, Nikka and the Yoichi Distillery were Masataka Taketsuru’s second child after leaving Shinjiro Torii and Suntory behind. The site he chose - the southern tip of Hokkaido, slight elevation, cooler and more temperate - mirrored the Scottish Highlands Taketsuru immersed himself in while at Longmorn and Hazelburn. There is a sense of place and purpose, and a sense of purpose in the place.

Back to the present: Nikka introduces the Yoichi Single Malt in 2016 to combat rising demand and falling supply of old-enough age-stated stocks. When Japanese whisky catches up to demand, will the Yoichi disappear? I certainly hope not. Just like Hibiki Harmony (Suntory) and Nikka Days, I believe Japan has entered a new phase of whisky blending that is already impressive and can only go up. Age statements don’t matter to me as much as the quality, and that’s already here in spades.

Side note: as of 2021, Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Whisky qualifies as Japanese Whisky as defined recently by the Japan Spirits & Liqueur Maker’s Association.

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Whisky: Specs

Classification: Japanese Whisky

Origin: Nikka Yoichi Distillery

Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley

Proof: 90 (45% ABV)

Age: NAS

Location: Hokkaido, Japan

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Whisky Price: $120

Official Website

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Whisky: Tasting Notes

Eye: Golden hay. Thin rim and thin legs.

Nose: Fresh, brightly acidic orchard fruits and fruity peat. Fermenting apple cider before spices are added. The peat is gentle yet firm - well balanced.

Palate: Peat and oak are stronger right away, but the malt whisky almost immediately fills the mouth. Petrichor, peat that’s still gentle, delicate and perfume. Mouthfeel is tingly, not coating, but reaches every part of my palate. Silky.

Finish: Sweet peat - I know I’ve used it multiple times but again, have to go with gentle. Pears and white plums, hint of umeboshi tartness. Mouthwatering.

Overall: This is delicious - the body is so good I’m really surprised there’s no grain in there. The peat is fragrant and an accent on top of fruity malt and creamy oak that are both background and backbone.

Final Rating: 7.8

10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)

9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)

8 | Excellent | Exceptional (12+YO MGP Bourbon, Highland Park Single Barrels)

7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)

6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)

5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)

4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)

3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)

2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)

1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co. Cider Cask)