Yoichi comes from the distillery of the same name on the island of Hokkaido, owned by the Nika company, whose operations began more than 70 years ago in the land of the samurai. Yoichi Distillery is Nikka's first distillery, built in 1934. Founder Masataka Taketsuru chose the town of Yoichi in Hokkaido because of its similar environmental conditions to Scotland, where he learned to make whiskey. Yoichi malts are described as bold and strong with refined peat notes and smokiness. The sea breeze from Ishikari Bay imparts a salty note to the whiskey during aging.

Nika Yoichi whiskey is a single malt with a delicate balance between peaty, smoky and fruity aromas.