Nikka 'Discovery Series' Yoichi and Miyagikyo Single Malt Aromatic Yeast Bundle

Nikka 'Discovery Series' Yoichi and Miyagikyo Single Malt Aromatic Yeast Bundle pairs two experimental single malts — Yoichi at 48% ABV and Miyagikyo at 47% ABV — each in a 750mL bottle, in one collector's set. Nikka's 2022 Discovery release explores fermentation itself: both whiskies are built from the brand's vast reserve of yeast cultures, limited to 20,000 bottles each worldwide, non-chill-filtered. Yoichi was fermented at low temperature for an estery, sake-like character; Miyagikyo used fruit-forward yeasts for an unpeated, peach-and-apricot profile. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• Proof / ABV: Yoichi 48% ABV (96 proof); Miyagikyo 47% ABV (94 proof)
• Size: 2 × 750mL
• Experiment: "Aromatic Yeast" — built from Nikka's proprietary yeast culture collection, fermented at laboratory, pilot, and small-batch scale
• Release: 2022 Discovery Series; 20,000 bottles of each worldwide; non-chill-filtered
• Origin: Yoichi Distillery (Hokkaido) & Miyagikyo Distillery (Honshu) — Japan

One Yeast Experiment, Two Distillery Answers

Nikka was founded by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky, and its Discovery Series is where the brand's experimental side lives. For the 2022 release, blenders took unique yeast cultures and pushed fermentation — Yoichi at low temperature for an estery aroma reminiscent of ginjō sake, Miyagikyo with fruit-forward yeasts for a strikingly unpeated, fruity single malt — then blended each to amplify only the best aromas while keeping each distillery's house style. One set, two distilleries, two completely different expressions of yeast. Browse our Japanese whisky collection and the Nikka Whisky range.

Tasting Notes

Yoichi: fruity and almost sake-like, with floral notes and a thread of peat smoke. Miyagikyo: unpeated — enhanced peach and apricot, rich, complex, and smooth, with a long, unique finish.

How to Enjoy

Taste the two side by side, neat, to compare how yeast alone reshapes two house styles. A splash of water opens the Yoichi's estery aromatics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What comes in the bundle?
Two 750mL bottles: Nikka Discovery Series Yoichi Single Malt Aromatic Yeast (48%) and Miyagikyo Single Malt Aromatic Yeast (47%).

How limited is this release?
20,000 bottles of each worldwide, non-chill-filtered.

What is aromatic yeast whisky?
Whisky fermented with specially selected yeast cultures to create unique fruit and sake-like aromas.

Are these peated?
Yoichi carries light peat smoke; Miyagikyo is unpeated.

Collectors of rare Japanese whisky can order this 2-bottle Discovery set online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.