Nikka Yoichi Distillery - A place I have been wanting to visit since watching the drama "Massan". I decided to visit this time along with other places I wanted to go. However, the train line between Otaru and Yoichi on the Hakodate Main Line is disappearing, so I wonder what the future access will be like. Location: You need to participate in a factory tour to enter, and reservations are required for the tour. You cannot enter without a reservation. After the tour, you can return to the Nikka Museum and freely enjoy drinks. Although you can have free tastings on the second floor of the Nikka Kaikan during the tour, I strongly recommend drinking at the museum for a better experience. Atmosphere: Order at the bar counter, with a limit of up to three shots per person. The bartenders, both veteran men and women, were excellent. The bar has a standing table with pot stills as the main focus, creating a great atmosphere. Food and Drinks: I selected the Single Malt Yoichi Non-Peated (900 yen), Single Malt Yoichi Woody & Vanillic (400 yen), and Nikka Yoichi 10 Year Single Cask (1000 yen). If you're unsure, just ask the bartender for recommendations. I ordered the Woody & Vanillic to compare high and low-priced whiskies, and it was a completely different experience. The drinks were delicious and hard to put into words, but definitely worth the visit. If you love whisky, you must go.

On my third visit, I couldn't get a reservation for the factory tour so I only visited the museum. The exhibition was easier to navigate now, but I was a bit disappointed that the stained glass of the bearded man at the entrance was gone. The tasting was excellent, and the staff's service was great. This time, I tried a whisky exclusive to the factory, which was rich, sweet, and had a wonderful finish. I've never tasted anything like it before. It costs 1000 yen, but I highly recommend trying it. I will definitely visit again.

This is my first visit. I visited the museum's tasting bar when it opened on Sunday. There are 16 types of whiskies available for tasting, ranging from 200 yen to 1000 yen for a 15ml pour (2 types were sold out). I tried 3 samples and the 1000 yen single cask whisky was exceptional. The on-site shop sells limited edition whiskies from Yoichi, which sold out quickly.

From Otaru, we extended our journey to Yoichi. Our main destination was, of course, the Nikka distillery. First, we stocked up on whisky and then headed to the tasting bar inside the museum. The Taketsuru Pure Malt had a pure taste with no deception. Next, we tried the Yoichi Single Malt in Red Label Sherry & Sweet, followed by Peaty & Salty. The order of tasting is indeed important, as we savored Nikka whisky while following the recommended sequence. And all this for only 1200 yen total - unbelievable! Perhaps they prioritize cost over profit? The atmosphere exuded luxury, and the whisky was truly outstanding. It was a truly heartwarming experience, and I was moved!

I spent three days on a solo trip to Hokkaido in the summer, and before I knew it, it was already the third day. Due to the impact of Typhoon 7, I was unsure if my flight would be able to depart or if I would need to extend my stay. However, during my trip a few years ago, I missed visiting Yoichi due to time constraints when I rented a car in Hokkaido. This time, I made sure to plan ahead and was able to take a train from Sapporo to Yoichi. The main purpose of my visit was the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery. Unfortunately, I had missed the reservation for the free tasting tour, but I didn't mind as long as I could visit. I learned about Nikka's history and whisky at the museum (free admission). At the tasting bar in the museum, I tried the following whiskies: Single Cask Yoichi 10 Years (15ml for 1,000 yen) and Single Malt Yoichi 10 Years (15ml for 300 yen). The unique original sake stored in new barrels that can only be tasted here at Yoichi was interesting. The Single Malt Yoichi 10 Years had a pleasant peaty taste and a fruity aroma typical of Yoichi. Personally, I found the Single Cask Yoichi 10 Years to be very smooth and mellow, despite being the most expensive at 1,000 yen. I usually only drink whisky in a highball, but the atmosphere of the trip and the setting here made me appreciate the taste of whisky neat. The prices for tasting were very reasonable, ranging from 500 yen to 100 yen, which was a pleasant surprise. The focus on customer service and promoting their own products without worrying about profit was evident, making the experience enjoyable.

When in Hokkaido, you must visit the birthplace of Japanese whisky and beer. If you're a drinker, that is. Take a train from Sapporo for over an hour to reach Yoichi. Fell into the trap of not being able to use my IC card again, but luckily there were station staff at Yoichi. I had made a reservation in advance for a tour of the Nikka Whisky distillery, where I got to see the whisky production process. It was surprising to see people manually putting coal into the stills. After the tour, I was able to taste three types of whisky for free, but the real highlight was the paid tasting bar. Here, I could also try Yoichi's single cask whisky. It had a rich aroma and flavor. I really wanted to buy such delicious whisky to take home, but unfortunately it wasn't for sale. Instead, I bought the local limited edition Yoichi, so I'm looking forward to trying it.

I couldn't make a reservation for the 70-minute factory tour, so I only used the tasting bar. Since I didn't have much time, I asked for recommendations on three types of sake. The alcohol content was strong, so I couldn't drink all of it straight. Among them, the Crane sake was fruity and a little easier to drink. Next time, I would like to try the factory tour.

Even if you don't have a regular bar to go to, don't usually drink whiskey, or don't know anything about which alcohol is good, this was a wonderful facility where you can learn about different types of whiskey through various exhibits starting from the museum entrance, and each person can learn about alcohol on their own. The only downside was that the brands I liked were not sold in the shop ^^; Visitors were truly multinational, and I thought it was possible for them to buy everything up, so I guess it can't be helped due to distribution reasons. Well, I'd like to go again for sure.

"In May 2023, I revisited the Nikka Yoichi Distillery, which had switched to a fully reservation-based system for tours due to the impact of the pandemic. Last time I visited in November 2021, the only way to use this 'Tasting Bar' was to participate in a tour. According to the official Twitter account of Yoichi Distillery, a tweet on July 1, 2022, mentioned that the shop and restaurant could be used without reservations, and a tweet on July 18 stated that the museum also did not require reservations. It seems that the conditions for use were relaxed at this time, which is great news for whisky lovers. Currently, the official website specifies that the 'Nikka Museum,' 'Restaurant,' and 'Shop' can be used without reservations. The check-in procedures have also been eliminated, so visitors can freely explore this area as they could before. However, those who have not reserved a tour must use the front entrance, which means they have to walk an extra 250 meters to the parking lot near the shop. It's not a significant distance, but the feeling of strolling around the distillery while walking versus taking a detour through a residential area to reach the entrance is quite different. This visit to the Nikka Yoichi Distillery was after a year and a half, and it feels somewhat lonely compared to the two to three visits I used to make before the pandemic. Now, since tours are not available, I headed straight to the 'Tasting Bar' at the 'Nikka Museum' upon entering. To be honest, I had wanted to visit last year end and try the limited edition 'Single Malt Yoichi Aromatic Sweet' and 'Single Malt Miyagikyo Aromatic Sweet' released in the fall, but I had to give up due to the unfavorable COVID situation. Although those were already sold out, I checked the menu for any brands I hadn't tried before and found the 'Nikka The Grain,' which was released in limited quantities in late March. I was actually looking for this, but with Golden Week in between, I was worried it might be sold out. When it comes to grain whisky at Nikka, the 'Single Cask Grain Woody & Mellow' sold exclusively at the distillery shop and the commercially available 'Nikka Coffey Grain' are well-known. The 'Nikka The Grain' is a blend of grain spirits made at the Sendai Miyagikyo Distillery and grain spirits made at a factory in Kyushu. I already like grain whisky, and I even have a bottle at home, so I was excited to try this. The 'Nikka The Grain' has a mild taste typical of grain whisky, but it also has a unique aroma different from malt whisky. Comparing it to the 'Taketsuru 17-Year-Old' I tried alongside, the difference was clear, and I wonder how it compares to 'Yoichi' and others. The paid tasting area has also changed its serving method from before, and honestly, it feels like a slight downgrade in terms of enjoying the atmosphere. The experience of listening to the bartender's stories at the serving counter while enjoying each brand one by one is no longer possible. Perhaps even when the pandemic completely subsides, things may not return to how they were. Next year, Nikka Whisky will celebrate its 90th anniversary, and they have announced that a new limited edition brand will be released. I look forward to timing my visit next year."

You can taste Nikka Whisky at the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery. Factory tours are currently by reservation only, but the shop, restaurant, and museum can be enjoyed without a reservation. You can try whiskies that are not usually available, making it a must-visit for whisky lovers.

I went on a sightseeing trip in Yoichi and visited a factory for a tour. It required a reservation, and the tour included a tasting. Even here, you can try high-end whiskey at a reasonable price. I had two glasses and then headed home as the train time approached. Thank you for the meal!

There is a limit of 3 tasting drinks per person, but since I went with a friend, we ordered a total of 6 drinks: - Yoichi Single Cask Malt - Yoichi Peaty & Salty - Taketsuru Pure Malt 17 years (for my friend) - Yoichi Woody & Vanilla - Yoichi Sherry & Sweet - Nikka Single Cask Grain Woody & Mellow It was a great time, especially the Yoichi Single Cask Malt had a deep peaty flavor and a roughness unique to single cask whiskies, which added to its great taste. Although it's not for sale, I ended up buying the Yoichi Limited Three Brothers set instead. Thank you for the meal!

In the museum of the Nikka Whisky Distillery, there is a stylish bar at the back with a wide variety of drinks. The factory-direct alcohol was really delicious. I had four different types straight and even though I'm not good with alcohol, I was fine. Good drinks just keep coming!

There is a bar inside that can only be visited by those who participate in a fully reservation-only tour, where you can enjoy up to three glasses of rare Nikka whisky at a discounted price. It is recommended for whisky enthusiasts. I ordered the Single Cask Yoichi 10 Year, Single Malt Yoichi 2020s, and Tsuru. You can easily determine your preferences by comparing the taste of these whiskies, which exude a sense of history. The satisfaction level at this bar depends on how much you are willing to spend on whisky.

I arrived in Yoichi♪ I headed towards the entrance of Nikka Whisky, but was told that without a reservation, I couldn't take a tour, so I made a detour to the museum and shop. Along the way, I stopped by the station supermarket "Kakizaki Shoten" and was amazed by the variety of seafood they had♪ They were selling half a cod for 380 yen, which means I could eat for a week with just one coin if I made a pot with it! First, I visited the museum♪ I was deeply moved by the love for Rita, Masahiro's wife, and tears welled up in my eyes (^^) I learned that "Super High Nikka" was a whisky made by Masahiro with all his heart after Rita passed away and he was feeling down. No wonder it's so delicious! I tried the "Single Cask Yoichi 10 Year" and "Cafe Malt" at the tasting corner♪ The sweet and mysterious taste of Cafe Malt was really lovely, but unfortunately it's no longer being sold, so it was a rare find that I could only taste here (even though I had it at a bar yesterday ^^) The interesting differences in whisky flavors are starting to captivate me♪ So, even though they were small bottles, I bought two♪

[Visit date: Early November 2022] Visited around 12:30 on a weekday, and the rating at the time of visit was 3.60. Visited the Yoichi Distillery of Nikka Whisky. Visited after touring and shopping. Selected three items from the menu. Paid tasting is part of the fun of distillery tours. Below are the items ordered. - Single Cask Yoichi 10 Year 15ml (tax included ¥1000) The alcohol content was xx%!? I realized after drinking that the alcohol content was high. Truly the original spirit. - Single Malt Yoichi 2000’s 15ml (tax included ¥400) - Single Malt Yoichi 10 Year 15ml (tax included ¥300) These are whiskies that you don't usually get to drink. If you run out of water, you can ask the staff for more. It was a valuable experience. Thank you for the meal.

Visited the Nikka Distillery tour after 3 years. Due to the impact of COVID, reservations are now required and only guided tours are available. It's a shame that you can no longer freely explore like before. Following the guide, we finished the paid tasting (which was great!) and then headed straight to the tasting bar inside the Nikka Museum (laughs). The layout has changed a bit from the previous paid tasting area, but the sacred place for drinkers remains, where you can drink valuable whiskies at almost cost price! Oh, they have the rare Yoichi Single Cask 10 Year! Without hesitation, I went for the single cask. The amber liquid poured into the shot glass. I sat at the counter where the pot still is placed and sipped it straight. Bliss. Next, the Yoichi Single Malt 2000s, also a discontinued brand. I bought this as a souvenir before and have carefully kept it at home (laughs). It seems they have a rule now that you can only have up to 3 drinks per person, so I guess the last one will be the 17-year-old Taketsuru. A rare brand that you rarely see in liquor stores nowadays. It has a milder and more aromatic taste compared to Yoichi. Each has its own unique personality shining through. A luxurious moment. Now, let's buy some whisky at the souvenir corner and head home. I must come back next year too.

At Asakatsu @ Matsunoya on July 30, 2022, I went for a tasting at the Yoichi Distillery! After about an hour and a half on a bus ride (to Iwanai), we arrived in Yoichi. Last year, I planned to go but it was closed due to maintenance, so I had to cancel. This year, despite being late to make a reservation, I decided to go since I could still shop and do tastings (it's difficult to do a tour with kids). Upon arrival at the front entrance, I found out that non-tour visitors enter from the back, which requires quite a walk around the large factory. After buying souvenirs at the shop, I headed to the museum where tastings were available. It's convenient to come by car for this kind of experience. Inside, there was a tasting area where you could choose up to three drinks. I asked for recommendations and tried a non-sale Single Cask 10-year-old (1000 yen per shot), which was a unique experience in terms of aroma and taste. Enjoying all three shots (45cc) made me feel quite good. It was a delicious experience.

In November 2021, I revisited the paid tasting area located within the Nikka Yoichi Distillery, called the "Nikka Museum." The facility underwent a renovation alongside seismic work, changing from the "Whisky Museum" to the "Nikka Museum," and the paid tasting area was initially named the "Whisky Club," but now seems to have been simply renamed to "Tasting Bar." The museum exhibits have also changed, focusing more on whisky blending rather than the production and distillation process. The space has been expanded, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to minimize contact between guests. Tastings are limited to those who have reserved guided tours, and general visitors without reservations cannot access the museum area, including the Tasting Bar. Each person is limited to two tastings, and the menu offers unique options like "Single Malt Yoichi 10 Years" and "Single Malt Yoichi 2000's," which are not commonly found in liquor stores. Additionally, exclusive bottles like "Taketsuru 17 Years" and various labels only sold at the Yoichi and Miyagikyo Distillery shops are available, making it a worthwhile visit for whisky enthusiasts. During this visit, I tried the limited edition "Single Malt Yoichi Non-Peated" and "Single Malt Miyagikyo Peated," released in September 2021. While expensive at 20,000 yen per bottle, these are unlikely to be found in regular liquor stores. The Non-Peated Yoichi usually has a bold taste with peat, while the Miyagikyo is soft and smooth, but this time, the roles were reversed. The differences were subtle, and it was challenging to distinguish between the two. Despite the high price of 900 yen for a half shot, it was a unique opportunity to try these limited editions. Unfortunately, due to the two-drink limit, I couldn't compare them with the regular Single Malt Yoichi. The lack of interaction with the bartender and the inability to admire the bottles up close, unlike before the renovation, was disappointing. If this style continues post-pandemic, visiting once a year for new releases may be sufficient. However, the requirement to join a guided tour to access the paid tasting area remains a drawback. It would be appreciated if they could implement a reservation system with limited capacity for standalone use of the tasting area.

Nikka Whisky Distillery has been renovated! Finally got to visit after a while, as they were closed during the pandemic. Made a reservation over the phone in advance. It seems like you can just call on the day to visit the shop. Tried the paid tasting after a long time. The location where there used to be a big monitor has been renovated. It was quite crowded. And it seems like the exciting menu options have decreased. I miss the days when there was a special warehouse for aged whiskey.

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery is located inside the distillery. When I visited in early November 2020, the Whisky Museum was under renovation, so a temporary paid tasting area was set up inside the Nikka building. I remembered the wonderful scent of whisky from my previous distillery tour, so this time I decided to stop by with a request from my whisky-loving sister. There were two other groups of customers already there. I chose the most expensive item on the menu, the Single Cask Yoichi 10 Year (15cc for 1,000 yen). The smoky flavor spread in layers in my mouth, making me feel delighted. I still don't fully understand the deliciousness of whisky, but I learned a lot. Thank you for the meal. (Review rating: 3.63)