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 20 Year Old distilled in 1989 from a blend of four malt whiskies. Several cask types were used, including sherry, re-charred and new oak. Nikka has released several editions of vintage Yoichi and Miyagikyo 20 year olds: nine for Yoichi, ranging from 1984 to 1990, and just three for Miyagikyo, from the vintages 1988, 1989 and 1990.