Nikka Whisky, one of most revered Japanese whisky distillers, is celebrating its 90th anniversary with the release of a remarkable new expression: The Nikka Nine Decades Whisky. This release marks a significant milestone in the brand’s illustrious history and showcases the depth and diversity of Nikka’s whisky-making expertise.
A Journey Through Time
The Nikka Nine Decades Whisky is a tribute to the rich legacy of Nikka Whisky, founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru. Taketsuru was the pioneering Japanese whisky maker who traveled to Scotland to learn the craft and brought this knowledge back to Japan, laying the foundation for what would become one of the world’s most respected whisky brands.
A Unique Blend of History
This commemorative whisky is crafted from over 50 different components, each representing a different era of Nikka’s history. The blend includes single malts distilled as far back as the 1940s from Yoichi, Nikka’s first distillery, as well as some of the earliest whiskies from Miyagikyo, distilled in the 1970s. The result is a whisky that encapsulates the full nine decades of Nikka’s distilling history.
A World Blended Whisky
Interestingly, The Nikka Nine Decades is presented as a World Blended Whisky. This decision reflects Nikka’s ownership of the Ben Nevis Distillery in Scotland, and the blend includes whiskies from both Japanese and Scottish origins. This approach not only honors Nikka’s international connections but also showcases the brand’s commitment to creating a truly global whisky.
Tasting Notes
The Nikka Nine Decades is bottled at 96 Proof (48% ABV) and offers a sensory journey through its rich and complex profile:
- Aroma: The nose reveals a rich apple pie and raisin sweetness, with toasty barrel-aging notes leading into a gentle smokiness and the nostalgic scent of antique furniture. These complex and layered aromas give the impression of standing in a whisky warehouse.
- Taste: On the palate, mellow oak with profound depth forms a base, structuring the spicy cinnamon, roasted nuts, and rich dark chocolate aromas. A subtle bitterness from the peat is balanced by sweet apricot jam and maple syrup, while an overall warmth evokes the sensation of sitting in front of a fireplace.
- Finish: The finish is characterized by gentle peat enveloped by a full body, with sweet and sour notes introducing a pleasant bitterness on a very long finish.
Limited Release
The Nikka Nine Decades is a highly exclusive release, with only 4,000 bottles available. The whisky is presented in a luxurious packaging that befits its premium status, with a Japan retail price set at ¥330,000 (approximately US$2,118), including tax.