"One for no age statement naysayers... Eloquent & beautiful." - whiskyadvocate.com Back in 2015, Nikka announced they were discontinuing their age statement and No Age Statement (NAS) releases for the Yoichi and Miyagikyo labels and consolidating them into two new bottlings. These whiskies have now arrived in Australia. Two NAS versions that differ slightly to the previous versions now represent the entire portfolio. It was yet another move that triggered a buying rush. Reports have it that Tokyo is now pretty much out of age statement Japanese whiskies, unless you visit bars or auction houses. Nikka's reasons for the radical new strategy are now familiar. They simply have no old stocks to sell. Decades ago, both local and world demand for Japanese malts was low, so few barrels were being laid down for extended periods. Stefan Van Eycken, writing for www.nonjatta.com explains "...there were years, at both Yoichi and Miyagikyo distillery, when the barrels laid down for maturation could be counted on the fingers of one hand. The ‘stock shortage’ is not an excuse or a PR stunt – it’s very real. Sources within Nikka have said that it is ‘likely’ that age-statement single malts will be brought back in 5 or 6 years’ time. No official statement to that effect has been made for the simple reason that doing so – in Japan – would be interpreted as a promise (which could come back to haunt them in 6 years’ time)." The dropping of age statements doesn't always translate into a drop in quality. Early reviews for both releases have been very positive. Evidently, Chief blender Tadashi Sakuma has risen to the challenge of creating a great assemblage from a restricted inventory.

Masataka Taketsuru's passion took him to Scotland to learn the art of distilling. Returning to Japan, the father of Japanese whisky founded Japan's first malt distillery and carefully created a whisky with the very finest fragrance, body and taste. Todday, Nikka remains faithful to Taketsuru's patient dedication to blending and passion for quality, distilling at a site chosen for its natural attributes. The secret of this superb whisky is craftsmanship complemented by nature's blessings. Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old Whisky is the pinnacle of blended whisky for Nikka. Note - item does not come with a gift box.

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.

This rare version of Miyagikyo single malt is part of the "Nikka Discovery" series: an inside look at the various experiments made during the whisky-making process at Nikka. Focusing on the distinctive aromas generated by yeast selected from Nikka's vast "culture collection", this expression is partly made from a batch which offers fruity aromas of peach and apricot. Please discover an exquisite combination of these fresh aromas and Miyagikyo's original comforting, elegant style.

This rare version of Yoichi single malt is part of the "Nikka Discovery" series: an inside look at the various experiments made during the whisky-making process at Nikka. Focusing on the distinctive aromas generated by yeast selected from Nikka's vast "culture collection", this expression is partly made from a batch which has an estery aroma somewhat reminiscent of "ginjyo sake". Please discover a well-crafted balance between the unique aroma and Yoichi's original smoky and peaty style.

Nikka Rare Old Super is a blended whisky born in 1962 when the distiller, Masataka, devoted himself into creating a whisky to represent his deep love for his dearly departed wife, Rita. Nikka Rare Old Super is a 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.

Part of Nikka’s highly popular Black range, this blend is one of the most popular daily drinkers in Japan. The Nikka Black Clear brings together vintages from the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries for a light, drinkable expression. Perfect for highballs or to drink neat.

This refined vodka is the purest expression of the signature “Coffey Stills” which produce Nikka Whisky’s outstanding grain whiskies. With decades of experience in distilling white spirits as well as whisky, Nikka’s vodka perfectly captures the extremely smooth and delicate taste of the Coffey-distilled corn and barley spirits. Each spirit is distilled separately and skillfully blended. The formula is perfected with minimal filtration using white birch charcoal to deliver precise balance and mellow texture.