Yoichi Nikka Whisky Distillery, Home of Japan’s 'Father of Whisky'
The vast island of Hokkaido is known for its cooler weather and amazing snowscapes, but it also has rolling fields of golden wheat and pure waters. Coincidentally (or perhaps not), all of these elements are essential for making delicious whisky. That’s why the founder of Nikka Whisky chose the small town of Yoichi, Hokkaido, to be the home of his world-class whisky.
To the whisky concessioner, the high-quality of Japanese whisky is no secret, so luckily, the award-winning distillery offers free tours and tastings. In 2018, Nikka won “World’s Best Blended Malt” at the World Whiskies Awards. This wasn’t the first time Nikka Whisky was in the international spotlight. The Hokkaido-based distillery, which now has other locales in Japan, delivers a drink that takes pride in continuing the traditional Scottish methods of whisky making.
Yoichi Distillery, located about 30 minutes by train outside of Otaru city, is a pocket of European charm, with over 132,000 acres of land. A self-guided tour of the entire premise of the distillery takes about one hour, where the whisky-making process is explained all while the smell of oak barrels sting your nose. Many of the original buildings, such as Masataka and Rita’s house, are open for exploring.
To the whisky concessioner, the high-quality of Japanese whisky is no secret, so luckily, the award-winning distillery offers free tours and tastings. In 2018, Nikka won “World’s Best Blended Malt” at the World Whiskies Awards. This wasn’t the first time Nikka Whisky was in the international spotlight. The Hokkaido-based distillery, which now has other locales in Japan, delivers a drink that takes pride in continuing the traditional Scottish methods of whisky making.
Yoichi Distillery, located about 30 minutes by train outside of Otaru city, is a pocket of European charm, with over 132,000 acres of land. A self-guided tour of the entire premise of the distillery takes about one hour, where the whisky-making process is explained all while the smell of oak barrels sting your nose. Many of the original buildings, such as Masataka and Rita’s house, are open for exploring.
