Virtual: Yoichi Launch Event (Part 1)

Set yourself up at home on August 26 @ 7pm with 5 x 30ml whiskies, and one Whisky & Alement house-made cocktail, as we launch Australia wide with a new limited edition release from Nikka Distilling Co: the Nikka Yoichi Apple Brandy Wood Finish.

Join Kevin Griffin, your Nikka Distilling Co. Australian Ambassador in celebrating the 100th wedding anniversary of Masataka Taketsuru and Jessie Roberta Cowen. Whisky & Alement is excited to bring you the release of Nikka's limited edition, 2020 Apple Brandy Wood Finish, and in doing so, celebrate the love story that not only inspired a soap opera, but helped to shape the entire whisky industry today. Explore a line-up of new, old and discontinued whiskies from Nikka Distilling Co. Watch exclusive content surrounding the release filmed over at the distillery in Japan, just for Whisky & Alement, and top it all off with a specially curated cocktail by W&A Bar Manager, Lachlan Watt.

It was in Glasgow on January 8, 1920 when Nikka Distilling Co.’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru married Jessie Roberta Cowen, better known as Rita. Apples are a powerful symbol of the Nikka story. They are a recurring theme in the relationship between Rita and Masataka. In fact, Rita encouraged Masataka to start his business by selling apple juice and jam while the first whiskies were ageing in the cellars.

This love story inspired the Japanese soap opera “Massan,” a miniseries that aired from September 2014 to March 2015, for only 15 minutes at 8:00am. "Massan" was such a success, that it is arguably the reason why the gaze of the consumer turned to locally made whiskies rather than Scotch, and soon after, a sherry cask Yamazaki was named "Best in the World" by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible in 2014. 

After apprenticing at Longmorn, marrying Rita, then apprenticing at Hazelburn, Masataka signed a 10-year contract with Kotobukiya LTD (Suntory) and built Japans first distillery; Yamazaki. When the 10-year contract was up, Masataka went to work on his own vision immediately by establishing Dai Nippon Kaiju, aka "Big Juice Factory," a title that would eventually change in 1952 to "The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co., Ltd." Construction of Japans second distillery, Yoichi began just two years later.

What's included in the pack?

A tasting mat so you can keep track of your drams!

Cocktail by W&A Bar Manager Lachlan Watt: Taketsuru Pure Malt with fermented Red Apple and Brown Sugar 'Old Fashioned

• 30ml x Nikka From The Barrel - 51.4%
• 30ml x Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt, No Age Statment - 43%
  
• 30ml x Nikka Yoichi Single Malt, No Age Statement - 45%
• 30ml x Nikka Yoichi 10 Year Old - 45%
• 30ml x Nikka Yoichi Apple Brandy Wood Finish - 47% (After initial maturation, this limited edition single malt undergoes a further six month long finish in casks that formerly held apple brandy for 28+ years)

Package Discount  

To celebrate the launch of Nikka Miyagikyo Apple Brandy Cask finish and Nikka Yoichi Apple Brandy Cask finish, we will be hosting two events on consecutive evenings. Purchase one ticket to the Miyigikyo event plus one ticket to the Yoichi event in one transaction and receive a 20% discount off your second ticket. 

Pickup & Postage:

• Pickup has been temporarily suspended due to Victorian Government Stage 4 restrictions.
• Australia-wide FREE EXPRESS POSTAGE is included in your ticket price 

About Yoichi Distillery:

The first distillery built under what would become Nikka Whisky Co, Yoichi is also the only direct coal fire still in Japan. This still was similar to the pot stills at Longmorn where Masataka first began learning the art of whisky-making. The direct fire method of heating a pot still has been abandoned by most distilleries, as it is very difficult to control the temperature and it requires highly skilled craftsmen to maintain. However, the 'hot spots' that are created on the bottom of a still due to the direct fire method are hailed for imparting a maillard characteristic to the spirit, and this is a characteristic treasured by Yoichi die-hards.

Masataka valued the climate and natural features of the north of Japan, and Yoichi, the name of the distillery, but also the name of the place chosen by Masataka, was close to the sea and surrounded by mountains on three sides. In many ways, the site was similar to the Highlands of Scotland. A cold climate with appropriate humidity, crisp clean air and fresh water - everything necessary for Masataka's ideal whisky, was available.

What time should I sign-on, and how do I join the event online?

You will receive a link via email 1 day prior to the event. For any queries, please contact Miranda at events@whiskyandale.com.au

6:30: Zoom waiting room opens

7:00 - 8:15: Tasting

8:15 - 8:45: Community catch-up, and questions

Can I buy bottles from the tasting?

Nikka whiskies will be available to purchase after the tasting via our online shop including a limited number of the Brandy Cask finish. Please be advised bottles may be delayed in arriving due to Covid-19 Stage 4 restrictions, however in most cases, purchases will be dispatched within 24 hours.