A single malt whisky exclusively produced at the Yoichi distillery.
The series has a variety of styles, such as Peaty & Salty, Woody & Vanilla, and Sherry & Sweet, which highlight the character of the official Yoichi bottle, depending on the casks and malt used. This series used to be released in a 12-year-old version, but due to the recent Japanese whiskey boom, it was discontinued due to the shortage of original whiskey, and now it is released again 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 whiskey 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 whiskey. 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 whiskey, 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
Single Malt Yoichi Sherry & Sweet
４．Characteristics
Rich fruit sweetness, bitterness and richness from the oak
I thought it would be sweet and wine-like if it was sherry sweet and had a red label. But, rubber and sulfur are noticeable, as if to say, this is Nikka’s original sherry. After that, there is a sweet aroma like brandy. Sweetness of stewed apples, blueberry jam. Slightly salty flavors as well. In the middle, an astringent woodiness comes through strongly.
Aroma: Living up to its sherry name, with dried raisins, cocoa and spicy aromas.
Taste: Not as astringent as the aroma, with a youthful spiciness straight away, but sweetens well with added water.
Lingering: rubbery sweetness and spiciness remain easily recognizable.
Type: Single malt
Ingredients: Malt
Alcohol content: 55%.
５．Awards
No awards have been received at this time.
６．Price
Reference retail price: 6,680 yen (tax included) for 500 ml
Mail order and online auctions sell for around 13,000 yen to 16,000 yen, more than double the regular price. (As of July 30, 2019)
Prices offered 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
It is very satisfying because it has the strength of a single malt. Of course, straight or on the rocks is recommended.
It is a great whisky for those who love Yoichi and want to feel the breadth of Yoichi. It is also recommended for Macallan lovers.
The price of this whisky is rising due to the difficulty of obtaining it.
Please take this opportunity to try it at DiningBar Hidden Lounge.
