The Coffey Still is the worlds first patented continuous still invented by Mr. Aeneas Coffey in 1830. Masataka Taketsuru valued the feature of this type of still, which retains the flavours of ingredients and also creates a distinctive texture. Complex, sweet and mellow flavours in Nikka Coffey invites you back to beauties of grain whisky.

Miyagikyo Single Malt is described as soft and fruity. Using less peaty malt, this whisky is distilled in a pot still heated by indirect steam at a low temperature. Miyagikyo Single Malt has an elegant fruitiness and a distinctive aroma with a strong Sherry cask influence.

Yoichi Single Malt is described as bold and strong. Pleasant peaty notes and smokiness originate from traditional direct coal-fired distillation accented with a briny hint delivered by the sea breeze during the ageing process.

Distilled in Nikka Whisky’s signature “Coffey Still”, the rich and mellow spirit at the heart of this gin is characterised by a luxurious and silky texture. In addition to traditional gin botanicals, its stunning aromatic complexity relies on the refreshing burst of Japanese citrus such as Yuzu, Kabosu, Amanatsu and Shikuwasa, the delicate fruitiness of apples, and pleasantly tangy hints of Japanese Sansho pepper on the finish.

Super Nikka is a blended whisky born in 1962. Classic style of blended whisky with gentle peatiness and hints of vanilla and sherry. These beautiful flavours are rounded and well-balanced with a smooth texture and mellow mouthfeel.

Retaining the elegant warmth of Miyagikyo malt, peat brings out a mellow sweetness and more solid body. Nikka says it has the sweetness of raisins and dry cherries, and a light yet firm peatiness.

In 1918, a young Japanese man with an ambition to make genuine whisky went alone to Scotland to unveil the secret of whisky making. He is Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky. Given the chance to go to Scotland, Masataka became the first Japanese ever to master how to make whisky. Given the chance to go to Scotland, Masataka became the first Japanese ever to master how to make whisky. He enrolled at the University of Glasgow, took chemistry courses and then apprenticed at three Scotch distilleries. In 1920 Masataka returned to Japan with his Scottish wife Jessie Roberta (Rita). The two had married earlier that year and Rita decided to immigrate to Japan to support her husband’s dream. However after returning to Japan, Masataka and Rita were heartbroken to find out that Settsu Shuzo, the company which invested in Masataka to learn in Scotland, had to abandon its plan to produce genuine whisky in Japan due to recessions after World War I. In the meantime another company, Kotobukiya Limited (Suntory), was in search for someone who could conduct whisky production. Being the only Japanese who knew how to produce whisky at that time, Masataka was hired by Kotobukiya in 1923 to direct building the Yamazaki Distillery. There he led the project and devoted himself to producing Japan’s first genuine whisky. These limited edition 2 bottle set of the Yoichi and Miyagiko has been finished in Nikka’s apple brandy casks and bottled in 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Masataka and Rita’s marriage in 1920. At the foundation in 1934, apple products helped Nikka to keep the business sustainable while the first whiskies were maturing, just like Rita supported Masataka’s dream. Both of these whiskies have the delicate aroma of apples, with the expression showcasing a beautiful harmony of finesse and sweetness brought by apple brandy casks. The Yoichi single malt’s original characteristics appear such as rich malt flavors, gentle peaty notes and smokiness and the Miyagikyo single malt’s has its original characteristics such as distinctive hints of Sherry and spiciness like cinnamon.

Nikka is owned by the brewer Asahi, the company was originally set up by Masataka Taketsuru, who built Yoichi distillery in 1934, having previously spent two years studying the art of distilling in Scotland. (He also developed the now famous 'Yamazaki' distillery in Kyoto for Suntory which he managed for ten years). Nikka's range of blended, pure malt and single malt whiskies will be exciting new discoveries for any Whisky enthusiast. Japanese whisky is slowly becoming on par with Scotland's famous distilleries among many of the leading whisky experts. Nikka Pure Malt Black Whisky is nutty and malty on the nose, with developing peat and a hint of ginger. In the mouth this is initially fresh and fruity – Spangles sweets, followed by subtle peat, toffee and spicy oak. The finish is lingering, sappy, peaty, and with pleasing fragrant notes. Nikka has done a great job integrating everything in the Pure Malt Black (i.e., a truly balanced blend of the peaty Yoichi and fruity Miyagikyo). One should never miss the opportunity to try a Nikka whisky neat, in an appropriate tasting glass in order to capture the full extent of the complexity and the unique profile each expression has to offer. Adding ice cubes to a fine whisky, however, is not at be seen as inappropriate in Japan. Ice cubes should be as large as possible, and the preferred option is one large block or ball of clear ice for a slow tasting experience. Japanese bartenders often hand-carve their ice for an unforgettable experience.

The history and evolution of the Japanese Whisky scene can be traced back to one man, Masataka Taketsuru; a man known as the 'father of Japanese whisky'. Taketsuru not only left Japan to learn the craft from the experts in Scotland, he also crafted Japan's first whisky at the Yamazaki distillery before establishing the premium whisky house of Nikka in 1934. This unique bottling of 'From the Barrel' is a breathtaking blend of malt and grain whiskies that are hand selected, blended together and then reintroduced to cask upon their marriage. The result is a blend that possesses a distinctive personality characterised by solidity, depth of taste and a richly expanding aroma.

Nikka has always been at the crossroads of cultures, between the East and the West, Nature and Human, Tradition and Innovation. Each day is a new journey which continuously learn from previous ones. Nikka Days, the latest creation of the brand, is a shining example of this state of mind. A subtle blend of grain and malt whiskies. Creamy and smooth, fruity and floral, this whisky will please amateurs and connoisseurs.