Producer

Yoichi e Miyahikyo

Producer representing the two main production sites of NIKKA Whisky — Yoichi (Hokkaido) and Miyagikyo (Miyagi prefecture). The two sites supply malts and components used in iconic expressions such as 'From The Barrel', with deliberately contrasting styles: Yoichi is more robust and smoky, Miyagikyo more elegant and fruity.
  • Yoichi; Sendai · Hokkaido; Miyagi · Japan

Yoichi e Miyahikyo

Meet the producer

Official website
The story
The two operations originate from Masataka Taketsuru's search for a Scotch-style whisky: Yoichi was opened as NIKKA's first production site (active since 1934) in Hokkaido; Miyagikyo was established later in the Miyagi valley (operational since 1969) to obtain distinct and complementary organoleptic profiles. Both sites contributed to the brand's growth and to Nikka's various product ranges.
Production philosophy
To develop authentic whiskies by enhancing local environmental and technical characteristics: Yoichi favors traditional methods and a bold character, Miyagikyo seeks delicacy and elegance. Internal blending and the practice of 'marriage of barrels' are used to harmonize and concentrate the organoleptic profiles.
Territory
Japan — Yoichi (island of Hokkaido) and Miyagikyo / Sendai (Miyagi prefecture, island of Honshū).
Awards and recognition
The expression 'From The Barrel' has received international recognition (e.g. World Whiskies Awards: Best Japanese Blended Whisky 2009; multiple times awarded Best No Age Japanese Blend; International Spirits Challenge: Trophy 2015).
Production method
Diversified production depending on the site: Yoichi uses pot stills and traditional direct coal-fired distillation; Miyagikyo employs steam-heated pot stills (indirect method) and also operates Coffey plants for grain distillates. Many products are born from the union of different batches and subsequent 'marriage' periods in casks.
Distillation
Traditional pot stills with direct coal-fired distillation (Yoichi); steam-heated pot stills and Coffey columns for grain distillates (Miyagikyo).
Ageing
Maturation in oak casks with blending practices ('marriage of barrels'); some expressions employ finishes or influences from sherry casks and apple brandy casks in special editions.
Characteristics
Type
Producer
City
Yoichi; Sendai
Categories
  • Japanese whisky
  • single malt
  • blended whisky
  • malt whisky
  • grain whisky
Raw materials
  • malted barley
  • cereals (grain for Coffey grain whisky)
  • water
Casks and ageing vessels
  • oak casks
  • sherry casks
  • apple brandy casks
Representative products
  • Nikka From The Barrel (50cl)
  • Yoichi Single Malt
  • Miyagikyo Single Malt
What makes it distinctive
  • Yoichi: historic site chosen by Masataka Taketsuru for an environment similar to Scotland; malty, pronounced and lightly peated character.
  • Miyagikyo: distillery created to contrast Yoichi's style, known for elegant and fruity malts; use of steam-heated pot stills.
  • 'From The Barrel' is a compact, high-strength blend that combines single malts from Yoichi and Miyagikyo with Coffey grain whiskies, bottled at 51.4% ABV.
  • Use of 'marriage' practices in casks to harmonize and consolidate assemblies.

Products from Yoichi e Miyahikyo

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