Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Limited Edition 2019 is a rare celebration bottling from one of Japan's most storied distilleries, blending Yoichi malts distilled across five decades, from the 1960s through the 2000s. Released in March 2019 to mark the 50th anniversary of Nikka's Miyagikyo Distillery, it is a landmark for any Japanese whisky collection.
Nikka issued two Limited Edition 2019 single malts to honour Miyagikyo's half-century: one from Miyagikyo itself and this one from Yoichi, on the coast of Hokkaido. Yoichi remains one of the very few distilleries in the world still heating its pot stills directly with coal, a traditional and labour-intensive method that helps give its spirit a robust, smoky, maritime character.
Rather than stating an age, Nikka describes this whisky by the decades in which its components were distilled: the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Bringing together whiskies from such a span lets the oldest malts contribute depth and old-oak richness while younger components keep the Yoichi peat and coastal character bright. It is bottled at 48% ABV, a strength that gives it a full body and carries its smoke well. The bottle is a matte black design with a pale illustration of the distillery's coastal landscape, presented in a natural wooden box.
Tasting Notes
-
Nose: Butter and maple-syrup-coated pancakes, oaky vanilla and the peatiness of the seashore.
-
Palate: Bitter dark chocolate, a fragrant barley body and peat smoke, with barley sugar and a touch of honey.
-
Finish: Long, with lingering cocoa and gentle smoke.
Specifications
-
Producer: Nikka Whisky (Yoichi Distillery)
-
Style: Japanese Single Malt Whisky
-
Expression / Batch: Limited Edition 2019 (Miyagikyo 50th anniversary)
-
Age: Malts distilled from the 1960s to the 2000s
-
Proof / ABV: 96 proof (48% ABV)
-
Region: Hokkaido, Japan
-
Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Taste it neat first to appreciate the interplay between old-oak richness and coastal peat, then try a few drops of water to bring out the pancake-and-maple sweetness. It pairs well with smoked salmon or dark chocolate, and a medium-bodied cigar complements its gentle smoke. Its rarity and its wooden presentation box make it a standout gift for a Japanese whisky enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Nikka Yoichi Limited Edition 2019 released?
It was released in March 2019 to mark the 50th anniversary of Nikka's Miyagikyo Distillery.
How old is Yoichi Limited Edition 2019?
Nikka does not state an age; it blends Yoichi malts distilled in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.
What proof is Yoichi Limited Edition 2019?
It is bottled at 48% ABV, which is 96 proof.
Explore more in our Japanese & World Whisky collection.
