I went to Snowy Hokkaido Just to Try Nikka Distillery Whisky!
Join Shizuka on an immersive journey to the renowned Yoichi Nikka Distillery in Hokkaido, where the art of Japanese whisky production comes to life.
In this video, Shizuka delves into the intricate process, from barley malting to cask aging, with a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship involved.
At Yoichi Distillery, guests can immerse themselves in the legacy of Masataka Taketsuru, the founding father of Japanese whisky. After spending crucial years in Scotland studying distillation and apprenticing at various distilleries, Taketsuru established his own distillery in 1934. It’s now Shizuka’s chance to delve into his remarkable journey and contributions to the whisky industry.
The adventure continues with a whisky tasting session right at the distillery, where Shizuka explores the diverse flavors and nuances of different blends, gaining an appreciation for the spectrum of whiskies, including those with smoky notes, sweet aromas, and everything in between.
To enhance the whisky experience, Shizuka takes you to Rita’s Kitchen, where you can savor delicious recipes crafted by Rita, the wife of Masataka Taketsuru and the symbolic “mother of Japanese whisky.” These dishes are carefully curated to perfectly complement the distinct flavors of Japanese whisky.
Finally, Shizuka introduces two amazing bars where you can indulge in exquisite Yoichi whisky. One is located in Otaru, Hokkaido, aptly named Rita as an hommage. The other is situated in Tokyo, providing a convenient option for those unable to visit Hokkaido during their stay.
FEATURED FOODS
Crane’s Bouquet
Roasted Chicken
Hokkaido Pork Spare Ribs Cooked in Apple Cider
Nikka Single Cask Malt Whisky
Nikka Whisky Tsuru
Woody & Vanillic Single Malt Yoichi Whisky
Peaty & Salty Single Malt Yoichi Whisky
Smoked Scallop
Single Malt Miyagikyo Whisky with Pear
Single Malt Yoichi Whisky
Carpaccio
US Prime Hanging Tender Beef
LOCATION
Yoichi Distillery
Yoichi, Hokkaido
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LAkFKHobFsLgjxno6
Rita’s Kitchen
Yoichi, iHokkaido
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EwH1aFVfNmMo6zXH9
Nikka Bar Rita
Otaru, Hokkaido
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zcy3NShJmwUcBDTa8
Tokyo Whisky Library
Omotesando, Tokyo
https://maps.app.goo.gl/r1TMLa85TLLTG53N6
TIMELINE
0:00 Intro
0:42 Yoichi
2:16 Whisky Distillery
6:24 Rita’s Kitchen
10:27 Nikka Museum
13:12 Otaru
13:53 Nikka Bar Rita
17:37 Tokyo Whisky Library
23:07 Outro
—————————————————————————————————————–
ABOUT BYFOOD:
ByFood is Japan’s one-stop platform for foodie travelers. Here, visitors can book food experiences (food tours, cooking classes, dining experiences, tastings), place restaurant reservations without Japanese, and learn about Japanese food culture and places to eat in different regions of Japan.
ByFood strives to make Japanese food culture accessible to anyone, removing the language barrier and accommodating dietary needs. And if your perfect food experience isn’t available on our platform, the VIP Gourmet Concierge will create one that is custom-made for you.
Best of all, for every experience that’s booked on byFood, 10 school meals will be donated to children in need through the Food for Happiness program.
Visit us at: https://www.byfood.com
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/JapanbyFood?sub_confirmation=1
Japan by Food on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/japanbyfood
Japan by Food on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japanbyfood
Twitter: https://twitter.com/byFood4
27 Comments
Snow never looked more inviting! I was lucky enough to join Shizuka’s ByFood Harajuku tour and I can tell you she’s just as amazing in person. The enthusiasm, positivity, and charm that she shows in her videos is genuine. Highly recommend the tour!
Dear, I really like your black backpack 🎒 Can you pls tell me what brand it is or where I can buy one ? 😊❤
Thank you!
Going to Hokkaido in a few days for the festival 😊 I’m Scottish and had no idea about Rita, that’s amazing! 1918 was right after the First World War ended too so I bet Masataka’s visit was such a lovely boost to people 🙂
Thanks Shizuka. I am going to visit Hokkaido region and this would be a great place to visit.
looks like so much fun, and such great places to have Whisky, the snow, the history, the atmosphere, I'll definitely have to venture out there and taste all the spots
Entertaining video, thanks
Shizuka planning on expanding her future brewery / distillery empire 😉
Great vlog as always
Whiskey …..
Looks amazing. Curious to know the cost for each of these? Would be helpful to know the price! Thanks
Done the Nikka tour and is amazing, great whiskeys to try there!!!😊
Love you bebe Shizuka ❤❤
Cask strength is strong. And the sip needs to be smaller to enjoy the flavor. Usually, the first sip accustom the taste bud, so you won’t get the full enjoyable flavor on the first sip.
Excellent video! Curious about the last whisky and dining experience cost wise.
Wonderful video! I am a total whisky nerd and have wanted to visit both Nikka and the Whisky Library for so long. Thank you so much!
Shizuka was not drunk during the making of this episode, honest!
Shizuka in the background: "I am the lizard queen!"
Shizuka, are you following us or we following you? My wife and I were there; Yoichi, followed by Rita’s Kitchen, followed by “Rita’s bar with the same bartender a day or 2 before or after you. Wish we could have met you. Love your channel, Don and Kay.
Huge whisky lover! Currently in Sapporo and we had planned to get to Yoichi today, however, it's been snowing so much the trains are disrupted due to snowfall. If I can't make the distillery, I'll definitely check out the Tokyo Whisky Library. Great video.
What a coincidence. Just bought a bottle of Nikka from the barrel today to try and then I see this video. Interesting to see food pairings.
I'm Scottish (Aberdeenshire) and a massive whisky lover, I also love visiting Japan. 4 years ago I was on a train from Sapporo to Niseko to go skiing, as I passed through Yoichi I was fizzing inside as I wasn't able to jump off and visit the Nikki distillery! Still really want to go! So this video is really cool to see (and I'm a bit jealous!) but hopefully I'll get back up there. Thanks for doing this 🙂
Where are rafsan 😂❤
Holy mind-fuck! From the 5:00 to the 6:00 mark, we just saw the connection between Milton's Paradise Lost and how Hakutsuru-san's Shintoism understood where the essence of whisky comes from.
Why don't we actually see her take sips in the distillery? That kept getting edited out.
my nikka
I would share a drink with Shizzy any day. LOL
Owo amazing video hey i m From Bangladesh i want to visit your country for Test ur food can u help me for information
Shizuka, what an awesome whiskey tour! All the places were quite impressive, but that whiskey bar in Tokyo was over the top. Loved it.
As a Scotsman, I need to visit this distillery to add to my Scottish distillery experiences.