Designed to overturn the preconceived images of each single malt, these rare versions of Yoichi and Miyagikyo single malts are the first look showcase of Nikka Discovery and highlight the distillerys diverse ingredients. Single Malt Yoichi Non-Peated (47% ABV) is comprised solely of unpeated malts as opposed to the preconceived peaty image of Yoichi. The result is a delicate balance of bright fruitiness and rich mouthfeel, along with its distinctive smokiness generated by coal-fired distillation.-Distiller Notes

Nikka Whisky introduced its first set of releases from the Nikka Discovery series in the U.S. in fall 2021: Single Malt Yoichi Non-Peated and Single Malt Miyagikyo Peated. The Nikka Discovery series will develop distinctive limited editions over the next three years in anticipation of Nikka Whiskys 90th Anniversary in 2024. Each year will focus on a different component of the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced since 1934, offering an inside look at the various experiments within Nikkas two distilleries.

The founder of Nikka and the father of Japanese whisky, Masataka Taketsuru came from a long line of sake brewers dating back to 1733. Destined to continue the legacy of making spirits, he trained as a chemist and was quickly recruited by the liquor company Settsu Shuzo. With a plan to make Japanese whisky, Settsu Shuzo sent Taketsuru to Scotland in 1918. He enrolled at the University of Glasgow, and became the first Japanese to study the art of making whisky. He took chemistry courses at the university and apprenticed at distilleries, learning first-hand from craftsmen and training as a blender. During his apprenticeship, Taketsuru met Jessie Roberta Cowan, a Scotswoman, with whom he fell madly in love. They married a year later. Jessie changed her name to Rita, and moved with Taketsuru back to Japan, to become his eternal muse and support throughout his career.-Distillery Notes