Limited production of 9,000 bottles per year; review of single malt Yoichi 10 year old with age statement, which is back after a seven year absence.
In 2022, Yoichi 10 years old was revived from Yoichi’s aging products, which had been discontinued in August 2015.
The Yoichi 10, 12, 15, and 20 year olds and the Miyagikyo 10, 12, and 15 year olds were discontinued due to a shortage of undiluted sake at the time. If the shortage of sake continues, the three brands “Yoichi,” ” Miyagikyo,” and ” Taketsuru ” could fall together, which is why the company decided to concentrate production on ” Taketsuru.
In March 2020, it was announced that Taketsuru 17year old, Taketsuru 21year old, and Taketsuru 25year old would be discontinued, and the disappearance of vintage whiskies (with age statement) from Nikka Whisky’s product lineup was a welcome return.
Currently, only Yoichi 10year old is produced in a limited quantity of 9,000 bottles per year.
We were able to obtain only one bottle at bar Shinkai this time, so we will review it.
Product name and photo
Single Malt Yoichi 10years old
Single Malt Yoichi 10 years
Characteristics of Single Malt Yoichi 10 years
2-1. Tasting Notes
| Aroma | Ripe banana, slightly oily, cereal-like aroma, white pepper and cinnamon. |
| Taste | Pear, baked apple, roasted nuts, slight saltiness, robust sweetness, woody |
| Lingering | sweet and savory with spices, woody and long lasting. |
2-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol content | 45% alcohol by volume |
| Distillate | Single malt Japanese whiskey |
| Cask | Cask |
| Volume | 700ml |
| Number of bottles sold | 9,000 bottles per year |
| Release date | July 26, 2022 |
3. Awards
No awards received at this time.
4. Price
4-1. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
| Product name | Single Malt Yoichi 10years |
| Capacity | 700ml |
| Suggested Retail Price | 8,800 yen (including tax) |
4-2. Resale price on Mercari
The resale price on Mercari ranges from 25,000 yen to 28,200 yen. (*As of 12/11/2024 )
4-3. Yahoo Auction Sold Price *Updated 8/22/2024
The latest price on Yahoo! Auctionswas confirmedat 22,000 yen (*as of 12/11/2024)
4-4. Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon *Updated 11/28/2024
The item is currently listed at 30,500 yen to 35,000 yen on mail order sites. (*As of 11/28/2024)
4-5. Prices offered at BAR Shinkai
At “BAR Shinkai” operated by this site, one glass is offered at 45ml: 3,630 yen, 30ml: 2,420 yen, and 15ml: 1,210 yen.
5. Maker
Yoichi Distillery
| Location | 7-6 Kurokawa-cho, Yoichi-cho, Yoichi-gun, Hokkaido 046-0003, Japan |
| Start of operation | 1936 |
Hokkaido’s Yoichi Distillery is known as the “Scotland of Japan. The distillery was established in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, a.k.a. Massin, as the predecessor of Dainippon Fruit Juice Co. Masataka Taketsuru believed that a cool and humid climate similar to that of Scotland , a rich source of water, and clear, dignified air were essential for ideal whiskey production, and selected Yoichi, located at the base of the Shakotan Peninsula west of Otaru, among various candidate sites. Masataka Taketsuru’s goal for his first distillery was to create a heavy and powerful malt whiskey. He was determined to reproduce the whisky-making methods he had learned at distilleries in Scotland without making any compromises. Symbolic of this commitment are the ” straight head pot still ” and ” direct coal-fired distillation. This process produces a heavy, aromatic, heavy peat base, resulting in a unique single malt with a peaty, salty aroma. This distillation method is based on the Longmorn distillery, where Taketsuru himself studied. If it is necessary to make authentic whiskey, we will follow it, even if it is inefficient. Such passion, which can be said to be the origin of Nikka Whisky, and Masataka Taketsuru’s passion for his dreams are still being passed down today.
Yoichi Distillery official website
For more information about Yoichi Distillery, please refer to this article.
7. Summary
Compared to past products such as Yoichi 10year and Single Cask, it seems quite light, but if you can get it at a fixed price, you should definitely try it.
It may be a long time to come, but we can’t help but hope that the revived Yoichi 10year will be an opportunity for Nikka products with vintage to be reissued again.
Please read other articles about Yoichi Distillery.
