Nikka Single Malt Whisky Yoichi Aromatic Yeast

Nikka Single Malt Yoichi Aromatic Yeast is a rare Discovery Series expression exploring the impact of fermentation — specifically, a batch of Yoichi Single Malt made using a yeast selected from Nikka's vast culture collection that produces an estery, aromatic character somewhat reminiscent of ginjo sake, revealing how dramatically yeast selection can transform the same distillery's spirit.

The Nikka Discovery Series focuses each release on a different whisky-making variable. Year 2 shifted focus to fermentation, with the aromatic yeast releases from both Yoichi and Miyagikyo demonstrating what happens when an unusually expressive yeast strain is used rather than the standard production yeast. Nikka maintains an extensive culture collection of yeasts developed and preserved over decades of production experimentation. The selected aromatic yeast produces esters during fermentation that create a fruity, floral character reminiscent of the ginjo aroma in premium sake — a distinctly Japanese ester profile layered over Yoichi's characteristic coal-fired smokiness and peat. The result is a Yoichi that is simultaneously recognizable as the Hokkaido distillery and fascinatingly different from the standard expression.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: The aromatic yeast's estery, ginjo-like character — floral and fruity above Yoichi's baseline coal-fired smokiness
• Palate: Well-crafted balance between the unique aromatic yeast character and Yoichi's original smoky and peaty style
• Finish: The ester character persisting alongside the coal-fire smoke — two layers of Yoichi's character simultaneously

Specs

• Distillery: Yoichi Distillery, Nikka Whisky, Hokkaido, Japan
• Series: Nikka Discovery Series — Aromatic Yeast
• Style: Japanese Single Malt Whisky
• Yeast: Aromatic yeast from Nikka's culture collection — ginjo sake-like estery character
• Size: 750ml

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