Nikka Discovery Series Yoichi Non-Peated
Nikka Discovery Series Yoichi Non-Peated is a 47% ABV (94-proof), non-chill filtered, 750mL single malt Japanese whisky from the Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido, Japan. Released as Volume 1 of Nikka's Discovery series (announced 2021, US launch 2022), it is made solely from unpeated malt — a deliberate inversion of Yoichi's famously peaty character, founded by Masataka Taketsuru in 1934. Order online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 47% (94 proof), non-chill filtered
- Size: 750mL
- Age: No age statement
- Origin: Yoichi Distillery, Hokkaido, Japan (Nikka Whisky / Asahi Breweries)
- Production: Single malt made solely from unpeated malt; coal-fired (direct-fire) distillation; Discovery series Vol. 1; limited release
Yoichi, Without the Peat
Yoichi is Nikka's rugged northern distillery — the peaty, maritime one, founded by Masataka Taketsuru in 1934. The Discovery series exists to show what these distilleries can do when they break character, and Volume 1's Yoichi is the mirror image of its Miyagikyo sibling: a single malt built entirely from unpeated malt. The twist is that Yoichi's coal-fired, direct-fire stills lend their own smokiness anyway — so "non-peated" here doesn't mean smoke-free. It's a limited release of 20,000 bottles worldwide, and among Japanese whiskies it's as close to a distillery experiment as retail shelves get.
Tasting Notes
Bright fruitiness on the nose — citrus, orchard fruit and honey — with Yoichi's signature smokiness underneath from the coal-fired distillation rather than the malt. The palate is vivid and textured, fruit leading and smoke following, with a long, gently ashy finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a nosing glass — a collector's pour worth savoring slowly. Compare it side by side with the Discovery Miyagikyo Peated for the full Vol. 1 experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yoichi Non-Peated still smoky if it's unpeated?
Somewhat — the malt is unpeated, but Yoichi's traditional coal-fired (direct-fire) distillation imparts its own smoky character.
Why is Yoichi whisky normally peaty?
Yoichi traditionally uses peated malt and sits on Hokkaido's rugged coast — peat and maritime character are the distillery's signature. This release deliberately inverts that.
What does non-chill filtered mean for Japanese whisky?
The whisky isn't chill-filtered before bottling, preserving more flavor compounds and giving a fuller, oilier texture.
Where can I buy Nikka Discovery Yoichi Non-Peated online?
This 750mL bottle is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor — it ships from San Diego, CA.
Yoichi unplugged — experience the non-peated experiment. Buy Nikka Discovery Yoichi Non-Peated online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.