The island of Hokkaido offers something beyond the beauty of its scenes and fresh, crisp air. This northernmost island of Japan has gained the spotlight for its distinctive whisky. Two distilleries, in particular, have placed Hokkaido on the global whisky map: the iconic Nikka Yoichi and Akkeshi.
Onlyluxe Travel was invited by Hokkaido Tourism Organisation on an inspection trip in September 2024 to discover Whisky Tourism.
Masataka Taketsuru’s Vision Adopted By Nikka Yoichi
In 1934, the pioneer of Japanese whisky-making, Masataka Taketsuru chose Yoichi because he considered its unique highland condition to hold the perfect ingredients for his Scotland-inspired whisky. The cold climate, pure water, and sea air are all essential parts of this process, as they impart a briny hint to whisky during maturation.
When establishing the Yoichi Distillery, Masataka adopted traditional coal-fired pot stills, inspired by his training at Scotland’s Longmorn Distillery. Despite the difficulty and craftsmanship required, Yoichi utilises this traditional whisky-making method which enables them to produce bold, single malt whiskies with distinctive toasty, burnt flavours.
Nikka Yoichi Distillery: A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Against the Backdrop of mountains, the Nikka Yoichi Distillery embodies Masataka Taketsuru’s vision of producing whisky that is as rich and bold as the rugged environment it is born.
Yoichi’s single malts are uniquely distinctive for their distinguished character. These single malt whiskies combine —peat smoke, dried fruits, spices, and a subtle marine influence— then aged in carefully selected oak casks, which lends a unique touch to its rich colour and complex flavours.
Tour Yoichi’s Meticulous whisky-making process
Visiting Yoichi Distillery isn’t just about trying its uniquely made whiskies, but offers you an opportunity to experience something truly immersive—Yoichi’s long-standing production process. The tour guides you through the historic copper pot stills, revealing just how the harsh Hokkaido climate influences the outstanding flavour profile of their single malts.
The highlight, of course, is the tasting room, where you can savour a range of Yoichi's prominent expressions, each a living proof of Takesuru’s legacy. The bold smokiness and sophisticated flavour of Yoichi whisky stand as a tribute to both Scottish methods and the natural elements of Hokkaido.
Akkeshi Distillery: Tradition Meets Innovation
Right on the same island, another gem of the Hokkaido whisky scene cradles: the Akkeshi Distillery. Preserving history steeped in local maritime culture, Akkeshi whisky is quickly gaining acclaim for its precisely crafted spirits.
The Akkeshi distillery was established in 2016 and embraces a philosophy that fuses tradition with modern whisky-making methods. Akkeshi uses locally sourced ingredients–such as barley from the fertile fields of Hokkaido—and a meticulous ageing technique in a variety of casks—including American oak, sherry, and Mizunara (Japanese oak. This detailed process gives Akkeshi’s whisky a uniquely varied, multifaceted flavour profile.
Touring the Process of Fine Whiskies in Akkeshi
At Akkeshi, you can dive into the distillation process with guided tours while also relishing tasting sessions that reflect the distillery’s evolving range. The combination of practices passed down over centuries with innovative traditional twists results in a whisky that feels both timeless and forward-looking—an experience as rich and layered as its taste.
The Essence of Hokkaido Whisky
Both Nikka Yoichi and Akkeshi distilleries provide an opportunity to boldly walk into the world of Japanese whisky with a curiosity for truly remarkable spirits. From Yoichi’s bold, smoky notes to the refined, complex flavours of Akkeshi, Hokkaido embodies a production process that stands testament to the Island's perfect blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation. A visit promises an unforgettable taste of Japan’s finest whiskies.
Please contact us for a tailor-made Hokkaido itinerary including whisky experiences in Hokkaido.
