Japanese whisky maker Nikka will introduce its rare Yoichi 10 Year Old single malt to the Australian market. This will be an exclusive release only available at ultra-premium whisky and cocktail bars.

As Australia’s love affair with whisky continues to grow, just 360 bottles of Nikka Yoichi 10 Year Old (ABV 45%) will be available to local whisky connoisseurs this year, as the distiller marks a return to age statement single malt whiskies after the Yoichi and Miyagikyo age statements were discontinued in 2015.

Yoichi 10 Year Old will become a permanent addition to Nikka Whisky, but due to its rarity will only be sold at on-premise venues, with a dram (30ml) costing between $45-$50.

Nikka Whisky brand ambassador Marcus Parmenter said Australians are embracing premium whiskies, with whisky the fastest growing spirit segment in the country.

“Whisky sales have seen incredible growth in Australia. In the past two years Australians’ thirst for Nikka products have risen massively, with a 50% increase in case allocations to meet this demand,” he said.

Established in 1934, the Nikka brand was initially known as “Dai Nippon Kaju” (大日本果汁) – which translates to The Great Japanese Juice Company – after founder Masataka Taketsuru and his wife Rita financed the company by selling apples.

Now distributed by Asahi Beverages Nikka is currently sold in more than 40 countries, with Australia one of its most established markets.

Yoichi 10 Year Old was created to commemorate the historic Yoichi Distillery being declared one of Japan’s 10 most important cultural properties. The distillery continues to use traditional distillation methods such as direct natural coal firing of the stills, a heating method used only by a handful of whisky distillers world-wide today. This method produces a Maillard reaction during the distillation process, resulting in greater complexity and depth of flavour within the finished product.

Mr Parmenter said the Yoichi 10 Year Old release was highly anticipated amongst Australian whisky lovers.

“The exclusive Yoichi Single Malt 10 Year whisky offers a taste profile of smoky, savoury malt flavours and fruitiness. Its deep complexity has been achieved by skilful blending to maximise the maturity, along with extra peat and woody notes.

“Making whisky does not happen quickly. It is a fine art that requires commitment, true dedication and respect for the maturation phase to create an impressive product.”

Mr Parmenter, who has worked through Australia, Scotland and Ireland selling, tasting and reviewing whiskies, said the surge in demand for premium whisky in Australia was unprecedented, with tasting events for consumers selling out in minutes.

A tasting event hosted by Mr Parmenter will be held in Melbourne on 9 May to introduce Yoichi 10 Year Old to Australian drinkers. Guests will have the opportunity to taste four whiskies from the current Nikka range, concluding with the Yoichi 10 Year Old to mark the whisky’s first release within the Australian market.

For tickets, visit https://whiskyandale.com.au/

To buy a dram of Nikka Yoichi 10 Year Old head to the following bars around Australia:

Whisky Alement – VIC
Whisky Den – VIC
Elysian Whisky Bar – VIC
Eau De Vie – VIC/NSW
Burrow Bar – NSW
Baxter Inn – NSW
Savile Row – QLD

Link to photos by Christophe Mereis here

Media contact:
Lisa Gilbert – HeadlinePR
0412 822 673