Japan, Hokkaido. Distillery operational. Owner: Nikka

Whisky Distilling (Asahi)Founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru in the south-west of the island of Hokkaido in the fishing village from which it takes its name, Yoichi caused quite a stir when, in 2001, its 62.2% 10 Year Old was named “Best Single Malt in the World” by a panel formed primarily of journalists and professionals from the Scotch whisky industry. Since then, the ongoing stream of Japanese whiskies has continued to chip away at the assumed supremacy of Scottish, Irish and American whiskies in the international scene. Yoichi has played a particularly active role in this phenomenon, releasing numerous exclusive versions of its malt, including Yoichi 20 Year Old 1987, 55%; Yoichi 25 Year Old 1988, 62% and Yoichi 35 Year Old.

A Yoichi with no age statement finished in apple brandy casks in a nod to Nikka’’s early days, when it sold apple juice before it could make whisky. The group still produces an apple brandy, including a 30 year old named Rita after Masataka Taketsuru’’s wife. In recent years, Nikka has released various versions of its two single malts, with finishes in rum, sherry and bourbon casks. This edition was released in 2020 to celebrate Rita and Masataka Taketsuru’’s 20th wedding anniversary.