Yoichi Distillery Logo

Yoichi Distillery

Region
  • Japan
Awards
  • World’s Best Single Malt, World Whiskies Awards in 2008.
Website
  • https://www.nikka.com/distilleries/yoichi/
Phone Number
  • +81135233131
Address
  • apan, 〒046-0003 Hokkaido, Yoichi District, Yoichi, Kurokawacho, 7 Chome−６

Yoichi Distillery

History of Yoichi Distillery

Founding and Vision

Yoichi Distillery, established by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky, has a rich history that dates back to its inception.

Taketsuru, after studying the art of whisky making in Scotland, chose Yoichi in Hokkaido for its climate, which closely resembled that of Scotland, believing it to be the ideal location for whisky production.

The Birth of a Distillery

The distillery was founded in 1934, marking the beginning of Japan’s whisky heritage.

Taketsuru’s dedication to traditional Scottish whisky-making methods, including the use of coal-fired pot stills, set Yoichi apart from its contemporaries and established its reputation for quality and authenticity.

Whisky Portfolio

Yoichi Distillery is renowned for its range of single malt whiskies, characterized by a bold, robust flavor profile with peaty and maritime notes, often attributed to the coastal location of the distillery.

The whiskies from Yoichi are a testament to Taketsuru’s commitment to quality and his desire to create a genuinely Japanese whisky that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.

Awards Won by Yoichi Distillery

Yoichi Distillery, renowned for its full-bodied, peaty whiskies, has earned significant recognition in the whiskey world.

A standout achievement for the distillery was when its 20-year-old single malt was crowned the World’s Best Single Malt at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards in 2008.

Yoichi Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Tour Experience

  • Reservations: Required for distillery tours. Note that groups of 10 or more and chartered buses (including microbuses) are not accepted.
  • Guided Tour: A guide will walk you through the whiskey production method and Nikka’s history. The tour is free, lasts about 70 minutes, and concludes with a complimentary tasting session.
  • Paid Seminar: For those looking to deepen their whiskey knowledge, a variety of seminars are available.

Facilities (No Reservation Required)

  • Nikka Museum: Open from 9:15 to 15:30 (tasting bar last order at 16:00). Explore the history of Nikka, the whiskey-making process, and enjoy a paid tasting bar.
  • Distillery Shop: Open from 9:15 to 15:30. Here, you can purchase exclusive whiskey, goods, and sweets.
  • Restaurant “RITA’s KITCHEN”: Open from 10:00 to 15:20 (last order). Offers a variety of drinks, Scottish cuisine, lunch, light meals, and desserts. Note that the restaurant is closed on Saturday, August 31st.

Architectural and Historical Highlights

  • Main Gate: The stone arch main gate offers a grand entrance to the distillery.
  • Visitor Center: Start your guided tour here, watch an introductory movie, and view exhibits on whiskey manufacturing.
  • Drying Tower (Kiln Tower): A symbol of the distillery, these towers were used to produce malt by drying barley with peat smoke.
  • Grinding/Saccharification Building: Where malt is crushed and converted into sweet wort.
  • Fermentation Building: Yeast is added to the wort here, starting the fermentation process.
  • Distillery Building: The heart of whiskey production, where the mash is distilled twice in a pot still using traditional coal-fired distillation.
  • Mixing Building: Post-distillation, whiskey is barreled here, and aged whiskey is removed and mixed.
  • Old Office: Built in July 1934, it served as the office of Nikka’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru.
  • Rita House: Served as a Nikka whiskey laboratory for about 50 years until 1984.
  • Former Taketsuru Residence: Reflects the lifestyle of Masataka Taketsuru and his wife Rita, with the entrance hall and garden open to the public.
  • No. 1 Storage: Built at the company’s founding, it maintains optimal humidity and temperature for whiskey aging.

Additional Attractions

  • Nikka Museum: Offers an in-depth look at Nikka’s whiskey-making process, the life of Masataka Taketsuru, and a chance to sample products at the Tasting Bar.
  • Tasting Hall: After the guided tour, sample single malt Yoichi for free. Soft drinks are also available.

Flask & Barrel Review of Yoichi Distillery

I recently swung by Yoichi Distillery, and honestly, it was a game-changer. As a seasoned whiskey collector, I’ve been around the block a few times, but Yoichi’s vibe is something else.

The place is steeped in tradition, and you can really feel the legacy of Masataka Taketsuru, the legend who started it all.

The tour was a deep dive into the art of whiskey making. Those coal-fired pot stills? They’re not just for show. They craft a flavor that’s bold and unapologetically unique.

And the tasting session? Pure bliss. Each sip of their single malt was like a history lesson, telling tales of dedication and craft.

The staff there were top-notch, too. Knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about their craft. They made the whole experience feel personal, like I was part of the Yoichi family.

I’m docking a tiny bit because I wish there were more interactive elements, but that’s just me nitpicking. Yoichi Distillery is a solid 4.7 out of 5 in my book.

It’s not just a tour; it’s a journey through the heart of Japanese whiskey. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates a good dram.

What To Do Nearby Yoichi Distillery

  • Kakizaki Shoten: Just 0.2 miles away, offering local specialties and fresh seafood.
  • Yoichi Tourist Association: Also 0.2 miles away, perfect for gathering information on local attractions.
  • Universe Memorial Hall Yoichi: A unique space-related museum, located 0.2 miles from the distillery.
  • Elra Plaza: A shopping hub 0.2 miles away, ideal for picking up local goods.
  • Space Apple Yoichi Michi-no-Eki: A roadside station 0.2 miles away, offering local products and delicacies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Yoichi Distillery?

  • Sushi Fukumasa: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Japan, 〒046-0003 Hokkaido, Yoichi District, Yoichi, Kurokawacho, 8 Chome−３９.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +81135237460. 
  • Gangara: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Japan, 〒046-0003 Hokkaido, Yoichi District, Yoichi, Kurokawacho, 2 Chome−７５.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +81135226109. 
  • Loop: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 4 Chome-123 Kurokawacho, Yoichi, Yoichi District, Hokkaido 046-0003, Japan.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +81135217722.

What hotels are near Yoichi Distillery?

  • Hotel Loop (Hotel & Restaurant Yoichi LOOP): It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 4 Chome-123 Kurokawacho, Yoichi, Yoichi District, Hokkaido 046-0003, Japan.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at 4 Chome-123 Kurokawacho, Yoichi, Yoichi District, Hokkaido 046-0003, Japan. 
  • Guest House Yoichi: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 379 Yamadacho, Yoichi, Yoichi District, Hokkaido 046-0012, Japan.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +81135235337. 
  • Casual Inn Niki: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 8 Chome Kitamachi, Niki, Yoichi District, Hokkaido 048-2405, Japan.