Nikka Discovery Series Yoichi Aromatic Yeast
Nikka Discovery Series Yoichi Aromatic Yeast is the 2022 Discovery Series experiment from Yoichi Distillery on Hokkaido — Japan's first Nikka distillery, built 1934 and still direct coal-fired. Drawing on rare, experimental batches from Nikka's yeast culture collection, this single malt was fermented at low temperature with a special aromatic yeast that evokes estery aromas reminiscent of ginjyo sake — over the peated, multifaceted Yoichi spirit. Bottled at 48% ABV (96 proof), no age statement, in 750mL (US format). Only 2,640 bottles reached the US when it went on sale October 24, 2022. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 48% (96 proof)
- Size: 750mL (US bottling)
- Age: no age statement — 2022 Discovery Series release
- Style: PEATED — the peated half of the 2022 Discovery pair
- Yeast story: low-temperature fermentation with aromatic yeast from Nikka's culture collection; sake-like floral and fruity esters
- Rarity: 2,640 US bottles; SRP $274.99 at release (informational only — not printed in copy)
The Discovery Series: Whisky Through Yeast
Nikka's Discovery Series puts fermentation — usually whisky's invisible ingredient — in the spotlight. For 2022 the distillers reached into Nikka's culture collection for aromatic yeasts, and Yoichi's peated spirit proved the ideal canvas: floral, fruity, sake-like esters laid over warm peat. The result, per trade reviewers, is a fruity, floral peated whisky — apricot, baked apple and berries against coal-fire warmth. Explore Japanese whisky or the Nikka range at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Per published reviews: nose — apricot, baked apple, berries and warm peat, with mushroom, coal fires and melon-laced sake. Palate — sweet barley, wood, brown sugar, pear, banana, sweet melon, herbal undertones. Finish — apple, pear, spice, light smokiness.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a tulip glass, and give it time — the aromatic yeast character keeps unfolding. A pour for the Japanese-whisky collector who has the core range and wants the experiment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nikka Discovery Series?
An annual limited series exploring unusual production variables — 2022's theme is aromatic yeast from Nikka's culture collection, in a Yoichi (peated) and a Miyagikyo (unpeated) bottling.
Is the Yoichi Aromatic Yeast peated?
Yes — unlike the unpeated Miyagikyo in the same series, the Yoichi is a peated single malt.
What is the ABV?
48% ABV (96 proof).
How rare is it?
Very — only 2,640 bottles were allocated to the US.
Peated whisky, sake-like flowers — order Nikka Yoichi Aromatic Yeast online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.