Yoichi Grande is a limited single malt released by Nikka in April 2022, first sold through Japanese airport duty-free shops alongside Miyagikyo Grande. It is bottled at 48% without chill filtration.
About This Whisky
Nikka built the Grande to turn up Yoichi's defining traits. The vatting leans more on heavily peated malt and on malt aged in virgin oak than the standard Yoichi, so smoke and wood come forward rather than sherry fruit. Merchants describe a full body with subtle peat smoke, charred oak, fresh berries and plenty of vanilla. It won a gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge in 2024.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Fresh and aromatic, with honey drops, smoked black tea and soft peat.
- Palate: Warm and punchy, then sooty peat, charred oak, berries, vanilla and chocolate malt.
- Finish: Clean and woody, with mint, herbs and a light smoky tail.
Serving & Food
Try it on a large block of ice to soften the 48% and release the vanilla, or make a smoky highball with chilled soda and a twist of lemon. Serve with grilled salmon, smoked duck or barbecue pork ribs.
How to Enjoy
Peat and oak lovers who want a bigger, bolder Yoichi than the standard bottling.
Product Details
Producer: Nikka Whisky
Distillery: Yoichi
Country: Japan
Region: Hokkaido
Category: Japanese single malt whisky
Age: No age statement
Released: April 2022
Casks: Includes heavily peated malt and virgin oak matured malt
Chill Filtration: None
ABV: 48%
Proof: 96
Volume: 700mL
About the Distillery
Masataka Taketsuru spent years looking for a site before he settled on Yoichi, a fishing town on the west coast of Hokkaido. It had cool, damp air, clean water, peat nearby and the sea close at hand, which reminded him of the Scottish distilleries where he had trained.
He built the distillery there in 1934, and it is still the heart of Nikka today. Its red-roofed stone buildings, set in a walled compound near the harbour, have become a well-known sight for visitors to Hokkaido.