Nikka Yoichi Aromatic Yeast 2022

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 48% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Yoichi Aromatic Yeast combines experiments with selected yeast strains with the distillery's powerful, peaty character. Released in 2022, the second edition of the Nikka Discovery series explores how different yeasts shape aromas during fermentation. This edition also draws on experimental stocks with an aromatic character reminiscent of Ginjo sake. Low-temperature fermentation supports their fruity and floral expression.

Limited to 20,000 bottles worldwide, this edition combines apple and banana with a delicate, pear-like fragrance. Fresh fruit and malty sweetness contrast with a pronounced peat character, while a bittersweet, marmalade-like aftertaste adds another dimension. The single malt is bottled at 48% without chill filtration and contains no colouring. Gift packaging is included.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Herbaceous, salty peat smoke with scorched notes dominates at first. With air, apple, pear, yellow melon, lilies, carnation flowers and mint emerge. Creamy and coconut-like impressions gradually follow, alongside pineapple, yellow kiwi and medicinal hints of balm and arnica.
• Palate: The palate is firm and lively. The opening combines herbaceous, salty and scorched impressions with barley and sea spray. Through the middle, the peat becomes stronger and earthier. Towards the end, tulips, cyclamen, mirabelle plums and greengages appear alongside rural and maritime notes.
• Finish: The long finish opens with a crisp impression of white grapes. Plum and juicy fruit flesh soften the aftertaste. When breathing out through the nose, delicate liquorice notes mingle with fading peat. Gentle smoke remains in the empty glass.

Distillery/Bottler:

Masataka Taketsuru founded Yoichi on the coast of Hokkaido in 1934 as Nikka's first distillery. He chose the location for its cool climate and resemblance to Scotland. The distillery stands at the foot of the Shakotan Peninsula, surrounded by mountains on three sides and overlooking the Sea of Japan. The Yoichi River supplies water for production, while the cool climate favours slow cask maturation.

Yoichi continues to use straight-necked pot stills with downward-sloping lyne arms, heated directly by coal fires. The heat is controlled by adjusting the amount of coal burned, a task that requires considerable experience. This method contributes to the powerful, full-bodied style of its malts. Yoichi Aromatic Yeast is an official Nikka bottling. Nikka has been wholly owned by Asahi Group since 2001.

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