Nikka's first distillery built in 1934. Founder Masataka Taketsuru chose the town of Yoichi in Hokkaido because of the environmental conditions similar to those in Scotland, where he learned whisky-making. Yoichi malts are described as bold and powerful, with refined peaty notes and a smoky edge brought by traditional direct charcoal distillation. The sea breeze from Ishikari Bay adds a briny touch to the whisky during maturation.