Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700mL)

With Japan experiencing shortages of aged malt whisky, many Japanese brands like the Nikka have opted to replace their range with no-age-statement variants. Launched Stateside in September 2016, Yoichi Single Malt is a peated single malt that replaces the beloved aged expressions of the same line: Yoichi 10, 12, 15, and 20 that have been discontinued. 

Yoichi Single Malt shows the characteristics of Nikka’s first distillery built in 1934. The founder, Masataka Taketsuru, chose Yoichi in Hokkaido because of the similar environmental conditions to Scotland, where he learned the art of Whisky making. The Yoichi distillery, one kilometre from the Sea of Japan, produces a Whisky with salty, slightly medicinal notes. Yoichi has its own cooperage and takes great care in the selection and maintenance of its older casks. This beautiful location and the natural resources around it makes the Yoichi distillery a very special distillery indeed.

The dropping of age statements doesn't always translate into a drop in quality. Early reviews for both new releases have been very positive. Evidently, Chief blender Tadashi Sakuma has risen to the challenge of creating a great assemblage from a restricted inventory.