Yoichi distillery, Whisky distillery in Yoichi, Japan
Yoichi Distillery is a whisky distillery situated near mountains and the sea that operates six pot stills for production. The facility draws on local water sources and is housed in traditional buildings that reflect its age and craft.
Masataka Taketsuru founded the distillery in 1934 after selecting this location for its climate that resembles Scotland's Highland region. This establishment marked the start of whisky production in Japan using Scottish techniques.
The distillery blends Japanese craftsmanship with Scottish distillation methods, visible in how workers carefully manage the copper stills and monitor each production stage. This fusion shapes the character of every batch produced on the premises.
You can arrange guided tours with advance notice between 9:15 AM and 3:30 PM, which include complimentary tastings of three different whiskies. Plan to spend a few hours on the grounds to explore the production areas and tasting room.
The distillery still employs direct coal-fired heating for distillation, a method inherited from Longmorn Distillery that demands specialized skill to control temperature. This uncommon technique shapes the flavor profile that sets the whisky apart.
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