Distillery

Nikka Yoichi Distillery

Owned by Asahi Group Holdings · Yoichi, Hokkaido, Japan · Founded 1934

Founded 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru — the 'father of Japanese whisky.' Taketsuru chose Yoichi (a coastal Hokkaido town) for its similarity to Scotland's coastal climate. Famous for direct-fired coal pot stills (the only major distillery in the world still using this method, retired only briefly during WWII coal shortages). Heavily peated, robust, oily house style.