Nikka Yoichi 15 yo (1989/2005), Single Cask (#127032), 62.0%

Introduction

Nikka Yoichi 15 Year Old Single Cask represents the pinnacle of traditional Japanese whisky craftsmanship from one of Japan’s most respected distilleries. Distilled in 1989 and bottled in 2005, this special release showcases the distinctive character that has made Yoichi whiskies highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Premium malted barley imported specifically for Nikka’s exacting standards, combined with the pure, soft water from Hokkaido’s natural springs
• Distillation process: Traditional pot still distillation using direct coal-firing, a rare method that Yoichi has maintained to preserve authentic character and depth
• Maturation: Aged for 15 years in a single cask (#127032) in Yoichi’s coastal warehouses where the whisky develops complexity from Hokkaido’s unique maritime climate
• Special techniques: Yoichi is known for its peated style, influenced by Scottish traditions but executed with Japanese precision and attention to detail

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Intense maritime peat smoke with honeyed orchard fruits, vanilla bean, and toasted oak, complemented by hints of tropical fruit and caramel
• Palate: Rich and powerful at cask strength with layers of sweet malt, dark chocolate, spiced pears, and distinctive Yoichi smokiness balanced by sandalwood, dried figs and sea salt
• Finish: Exceptionally long with lingering smoke, warming spices, and dried fruit notes that evolve gradually with subtle oak and mineral qualities

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat first to experience the full cask strength character, then with a few drops of spring water to open up additional complexity
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with sea salt, smoked salmon, or rich cheese such as aged Gouda

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 62.0% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Hokkaido, Japan
• Certifications/Awards: Single cask releases from Yoichi are consistently rated among the world’s finest whiskies by critics and have garnered numerous international awards

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This Yoichi 15 Year Old Single Cask represents an increasingly rare opportunity to experience a defining era in Japanese whisky production, capturing the essence of traditional coal-fired distillation.

As one of a limited number of bottles from a single cask (#127032), this whisky can never be replicated once the allocation is exhausted, making it both a collector’s treasure and a remarkable drinking experience.

Masataka Taketsuru, Nikka’s founder who studied in Scotland before establishing Yoichi in 1934, designed the distillery specifically to create whiskies of exceptional character and depth, a vision perfectly embodied in this expression.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whisky experts consistently praise Yoichi’s single cask releases for their remarkable complexity, depth, and authentic representation of Japanese craftsmanship.

Enthusiasts who add vintage Yoichi bottlings to their collections often become lifelong advocates for the distillery, recognizing the unique place these whiskies hold in the spirits world.

The growing international acclaim for aged Japanese whiskies has cemented bottles like this 1989 Yoichi as benchmark expressions against which other premium whiskies are measured.

From Yoichi Distillery to You

Each bottle of this exceptional whisky represents years of patient craftsmanship and dedication from the master distillers at Yoichi, who have shared their artistry through this remarkable spirit.

The distinctive character of this whisky reflects Yoichi’s stunning coastal location in Hokkaido, where traditional methods and natural surroundings create a spirit with a genuine sense of place that resonates with whisky enthusiasts.

By experiencing this Yoichi 15 Year Old, you join a select community of whisky connoisseurs who appreciate the extraordinary heritage and uncompromising quality that define Japanese whisky at its finest.