Nikka Yoichi Single Malt

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt is a single malt from the Yoichi distillery, 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 whisky making. Yoichi single malt has pleasant peaty notes and smokiness originating from the traditional direct coal-fired distillation as well as a briny hint delivered by the sea breeze during the aging process.

Of Nikka's two malt whisky distilleries, Yoichi produces rich, peaty and masculine malt. The whisky gets its distinct aroma and body from direct heating distillation, in which the pot stills are heated with finely powdered natural coal--the traditional method that is hardly ever used today, even in Scotland.

In 1918, Masataka Taketsuru embarked alone on a long voyage to Scotland.

In this distant land the secrets of whisky-making would be imparted to this young Japanese man, and here he would meet the woman who would become his bride.

In 1920 Masataka returned to Japan with Jessie Roberta (Rita), whom he had married earlier that year.

Later joining a company that aspired to make genuine whisky, he succeeded under its employment in producing Japan's first whisky. in 1934 Masataka established Nikka Whisky, and built its first distillery in Yoichi, Hokkaido, which-- though inconveniently located -- he had always considered to be the ideal site in Japan for whisky-making, similar in many ways to the Scottish town where he had studied.

MASATAKA TAKETSURU, THE FATHER OF JAPANESE WHISKY.

Having long produced alcohol, principally from rice, the Japanese first discover whisky in 1853 with the arrival of American commodore Matthew Perry in Tokyo bay. At the end of the 19^th Century, several Japanese companies already attempt to produce this spirit, but the first trials made from rice or corn are unsuccessful.

NIKKA, THE EXPRESSION OF AN IMPROBABLE ENCOUNTER

In 1918, Masataka Taketsuru, son of a sake brewing family, is recruited by the Settsu Shuzo Company to produce the first authentic Japanese whisky. With a background in chemistry, the young man decides to leave for Scotland, in the aim of discovering the secrets of whisky production. A few months after his arrival, Taketsuru meets Rita Cowan, with whom he immediately falls in love with. Rita becomes his wife, but also his muse.

Two years later, the couple returns to Japan. In 1922, his employer Settsu Shuzo goes bankrupt following a stock market crash. Taketsuru then joins the Kotobukiya group, a beer industry giant later renamed Suntory, for who he builds the first Japanese distillery in 1924. http://www.nikkawhisky.eu/nikka-story/beginnings/

Some years later, Rita will inspire him to realize his dream: build his very own distillery.

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt - Hay Wines