Nikka Ships Their Two Discovery Whiskies For 2022

Japan’s Nikka Whisky has shipped the 2022 releases from its “Nikka Discovery” series in the U.S.: Single Malt Yoichi Aromatic Yeast and Single Malt Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast. This duo is the second release to come from the “Nikka Discovery” series, each year highlighting a different component of the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced since 1934 and offering an inside look at the various experiments within Nikka’s two distilleries in Japan, Yoichi and Miyagikyo. 2023 will reveal the third and final release of “Nikka Discovery” in anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th Anniversary in 2024.

This year, the “Nikka Discovery” series focuses on the variety of yeast within Nikka’s two distilleries and the unique aromas that are generated through fermentation. This pair of limited bottlings uses rare, experimental batches from Nikka’s vast “culture collection.” Single Malt Yoichi Aromatic Yeast (48% ABV) is reminiscent of ginjyo sake, expressing floral and fruity notes that have only improved after several years of maturation. Similarly, Single Malt Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast (47% ABV) offers the fruity aroma of stone fruit such as peach and apricot, which enhances Miyagikyo’s traditional elegant and fruity style.

“We are delighted to release the second pairing from our ‘Nikka Discovery’ series,” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky International Business Development Manager. “The 2022 ‘Nikka Discovery’ expressions are the result of our vast reserve of yeast cultures and accumulated knowledge to use them, along with masterful blending. Our blenders took great care to enhance only good aromas and integrate them with the original style of each distillery.”

“The inaugural Nikka Discovery series – Yoichi Non-Peated and Miyagikyo Peated – was incredibly well received here in the U.S.,” says Hotaling & Co. CEO and President Dan Leese. “Nearly ninety years after its founding, Nikka Whisky continues to push the boundaries of innovation and experimentation within its distilleries, and we are excited to bring the next evolution of this distinctive series to whisk(e)y fans in the U.S.”

The Single Malt Yoichi Aromatic Yeast and Single Malt Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast releases are non-chill filtered and each bottled at different ABVs to best enhance their unique characteristics. Each retailing at an SRP of $274.99, only 2,640 bottles of both expressions will be available in the U.S. at select retailers as well as online atReserveBar.com.