Nikka Yoichi Single Malt
Nikka’s first distillery, on the cold coast of Hokkaido. Yoichi is the more robust of the two single malts: full-flavoured, with peach and honey, and a finish where peat and sweetness are beautifully balanced.
Whisky from the coast of Hokkaido
Yoichi is the distillery where Nikka began in 1934. Masataka Taketsuru chose the location on the northern island of Hokkaido because the climate there resembles Scotland’s, and that’s still the house style: robust, full-bodied, and full of character. The stills are still fired with coal, giving the whisky a powerful, slightly smoky edge.
This single malt comes entirely from that one distillery and is bottled at 45% ABV. It’s slightly sweet, with peach and honey, and the finish brings peat and a subtle sweetness together. This makes Yoichi the opposite of its sister Miyagikyo, which is soft and fruity.
At a glance
Full, sweet, with a hint of peat
Peach and honey
Slightly sweet, with peach and honey, and a hint of peat in the background.
Full-bodied and robust
A lovely, full-bodied taste. Honey and fruit provide the whisky’s sweetness, while the peat keeps it interesting.
Peat and sweetness
A finish where peat and a subtle sweetness are in balance. Robust, but never harsh.
Tasting notes of Nikka Yoichi Single Malt neat. Over ice, the peat softens and the peach comes through more.
How to taste Yoichi
Yoichi is a whisky for enthusiasts. Take your time, taste it neat first, then see what water or ice does to the peat.
Neat, then with water
3 cl in a tulip-shaped tasting glass. Taste it neat first, then add a few drops of water and taste again: the honey and peach open up, and the peat recedes a little.
Glass: tasting glass →Over one large ice cube
5 cl over one large, clear ice cube in a heavy tumbler. The ice melts slowly, allowing the whisky to gradually open up. The best way to bring out the smoke.
Glass: tumbler →As a smoky highball
40 ml Yoichi in a tall glass filled with ice, with 120 ml ice-cold sparkling water and a strip of lemon peel. The peat gives the highball a campfire note you won't get from grain whisky.
Japanese Highball →Cocktails that need the peat
When a recipe calls for a smoky whisky, Yoichi is a stylish choice. Stick to cocktails where the whisky takes center stage.
Penicillin
Whisky, lemon, honey, and ginger. Yoichi's honey and peat belong here.
Rusty Nail
Whisky and Drambuie over ice. The liqueur's honey notes complement the Yoichi.
Smoky Highball
Whisky with ice-cold sparkling water in a tall glass. With Yoichi, it's smoky and refreshing at the same time.
Sazerac
Whisky, sugar, bitters, and a rinse of absinthe. Yoichi gives the classic a smoky edge.The right glass for Nikka Yoichi
A tulip-shaped tasting glass for the aroma, a heavy tumbler for the ice cube, and a tall glass for the smoky highball.
More Nikka flavors
Nikka
Where it began. On the brand page, you can read all about Nikka: its origins, varieties, and classic cocktails.
To Nikka →
Nikka Coffey Grain
Sweet and fruity from the column still: melon, grapefruit, and vanilla. The whisky for a Japanese highball.
View Nikka Coffey Grain →
Nikka Coffey Malt
Malted barley from a column still: rich and creamy, with raisin, caramel, and cinnamon. Perfect after dinner.
View Nikka Coffey Malt →
Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt
Malts from Yoichi and Miyagikyo, aged for an average of ten years. Mellow and fruity, with cherry and mint.
View Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt →
Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt
Mellow and fresh from the mountains near Sendai: tropical fruit, mango, and chocolate, with sherry in the background.
View Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt →Everything about Japanese whisky: the types, best-known brands, and cocktails.
Questions about Nikka Yoichi Single Malt
Can’t find your question here? Read more on the Nikka page or check out our cocktail recipes.
Everything about Nikka →What percentage alcohol is Nikka Yoichi Single Malt?
Is Nikka Yoichi smoky?
What’s the difference between Yoichi and Miyagikyo?
Where is the Yoichi distillery?
What’s the best way to drink Nikka Yoichi?
Buy Nikka Yoichi
Want the bottle at home right away? Order Nikka Yoichi online from Gall & Gall.
Prices as of November 3, 2026, as reported by Gall & Gall. You can check the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; you pay nothing extra. No 18, no alcohol.
