YOICHI - Discovery - Non Peated - Bottled 2021 - 47%
Nikka Whisky Distilling Company is located in Japan, and was created by Masataka Taketsuru, considered as the father of Japanese Whisky. He was the son of a sake brewer, and after studying chemistry at university he trained at several Scottish distilleries before returning to Japan in 1920 with his Scottish wife, Rita. After working for the company that would become Suntory (Kotobukiya Limited) and making the first Japanese whisky, he struck out on his own, setting up the Yoichi distillery and the Nikka parent company. The company also owns separate distilleries for making Shochu (spirit made by distilling a wide variety of base ingredients, the main ones being rice, barley and sweet potato) and facilities for making cider brandy and apple wine. In 2001, Nikka was purchased by Asahi Breweries.
Yoichi Distillery was built in 1934 and started distilling in 1936. It is close to the sea, surrounded by mountains on three sides and in many ways similar to the Highlands in Scotland. A cold climate with an appropriate humidity, crisp clean air, fresh water and the proximity to the sea is one of the distinctive features of Yoichi. The sea breeze gives a briny hint to the whisky during the maturation along with peaty notes and smokiness originating from the traditional direct coal-fired distillation.
This rare version of Yoichi Single Malt is part of the “Nikka Discovery” series: an inside look at the various experiments made during the whisky making process at Nikka. Focusing on the diversity of ingredients available at the distillery, this expression is made solely from unpeated malts and offers a pleasant surprise that overturns the preconceived “peaty” image of Yoichi.
Unpeated
