Nikka Discovery Yoichi Single Malt Non-Peated 2021

Classification: Japanese Whisky
Distillery: Nikka Yoichi Distillery
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Age: NAS
Proof: 94

Nikka decided to do a little prank on us with The Discovery Series and flip the script with their two “house styles” of it’s two distilleries…Miyagikyo and Yoichi.

TheYoichi Non-Peated is Yoichi showing off without the usual smoke crutches. Yes, it’s unpeated—but don’t get cocky, there’s still a teasing whisper of briny peat on the nose, like the distillery’s polite way of saying, “I’m still Yoichi, okay?”

On the palate, it’s creamy, dreamy, and downright friendly. Almond butter, baked apples, fresh bread—basically your morning toast if it went to finishing school. The finish? Spice box, a hint of cigar wrapper, and then—bam—a lemony brightness comes in like a superhero cleaning up the whole scene.

It’s balanced, approachable, and elegant—a perfect example of Yoichi flexing its fruity, complex muscles without having to smash you over the head with smoke. Sophisticated, fun, and just cheeky enough to make you want another sip… or six.