YOICHI

“Best Single Malt in the World” This highly prized World Whiskies Awards title has been picked up twice (2002 and 2008) by a Yochi single malt. Such recognition was a shock for the Scottish distillers, and a revelation for many whisky fans. The Yoichi distillery, one kilometre from the Sea of Japan, produces a whisky with salty, slightly medicinal notes, not unlike its Scottish cousins from the Isle of Islay. Yoichi has its own cooperage, and takes particular care in the selection of its barrels, made on site from new oak, a practice that has become rare in Scotland.