A single malt whisky exclusive to Yoichi Distillery.
This series of single malt whisky has a variety of styles, such as Peaty & Salty, Woody & Vanilla, and Sherry & Sweet, which highlight the character of the official Yoichi bottle by the type of casks and malt used. The 12-year-old version of this series was previously released, but it was discontinued due to the shortage of original sake caused by the recent Japanese whisky boom, and has been re-released as a non-aged version.
１．Company
Nikka Whisky Company, Ltd.
２．Distillery
Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido is known as the “Scotland of Japan. The distillery was established in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, a.k.a. Massin, as the predecessor of Dai Nihon Kaju Co.
Masataka Taketsuru believed that a cool and humid climate similar to that of Scotland, a rich source of water, and clear, dignified air were essential for ideal whisky production, and selected Yoichi, located at the base of the Shakotan Peninsula west of Otaru, from among various candidate sites.
Masataka Taketsuru’s goal for his first distillery was to create a heavy and powerful malt whisky. He was determined to reproduce the whisky-making methods he had learned at distilleries in Scotland without making any compromises. The symbol of this commitment is “direct coal-fired distillation. The distillation process is based on the Longmorn distillery method that he learned at the distillery. If it is necessary to make genuine whisky, we will protect it, even if it is inefficient. This passion, which can be said to be the origin of Nikka Whisky, and Masataka Taketsuru’s desire to achieve his dreams are still being passed down today.
３．Product Name
４．Characteristics
Woody in taste, softly vanilla in aroma
The bottle stands out for its woodiness derived from the oak.
Although it has a tingling alcohol stimulation, it also has a melon and vanilla-like freshness that comes from new oak.
At the beginning of drinking, as the brand name suggests, the vanilla aroma comes first, followed by a hint of the ethereal aroma of bourbon.
When drunk straight, the sweetness of vanilla can be felt more easily.
Aroma: Alcoholic and pungent, but later on there is a rich aroma of melon, banana, vanilla, malt, cocoa, and woody notes.
Taste: Sweetness can be felt straight, but slightly bitter on the rocks. With added water, the sweetness reappears.
Lingering: long finish, very bitter.
Type: Single malt
Ingredients: Malt
Alcohol content: 55%.
５．Awards
６．Price
Reference retail price: 6,680 yen (tax included) for 500 ml
Mail order and online auctions sell for around 12,000 yen to 16,000 yen, almost double the regular price. (As of July 29, 2019)
Price at DiningBar Hidden Lounge
At DiningBar Hidden Lounge, this whisky is priced at
45ml: 3,600 yen
30ml: 2,400 yen
15ml: 1,200 yen
The whisky is available at the following prices.
７．Finally
In the mouth, woodiness comes forward more than vanilla, reminding one of dry wood. The tannin-like texture on the tongue is also ○. Yet the vanilla flavor is firmly in the base of the whole, giving the impression of eating candy or ice cream. The sharp finish is another nice contrast. The tingling peppery sensation that lingers on the tongue seems to come from the woodiness.
The price of this wine is rising due to the difficulty of obtaining it.
Please take this opportunity to try it at DiningBar Hidden Lounge.
