Nikka Whisky is celebrating its 90th anniversary with the release of Nikka Nine Decades, made with a blend of liquids from across six distilleries
In celebration of its 90th anniversary, Nikka Whisky has unveiled Nikka Nine Decades. The limited-edition release incorporates whiskies from the 1940s to the 2020s, distilled at Nikka’s six distilleries, including the Ben Nevis Distillery in Scotland. The expression “embraces the stories that lie within each whisky in great harmony, making it the greatest challenge that the brand has accomplished in its 90-year history,” says a press release.
The Nikka Nine Decades blend incorporates more than 150 whisky batches, including the oldest malt reserve from the Yoichi Distillery and Miyagikyo Distillery, new grain whisky from Moji and Satsumastukasa, and long matured grain whisky from Nishinomiya.
“The number of whiskies accumulated since the establishment of the company is tremendous, with an age gap of nearly 90 years,” says Hiromi Ozaki, Nikka Whisky Chief Blender. “I selected whiskies with outstanding characteristics among our reserves for this blend, pursing the optimal balance from a broader view, to achieve an overall harmony with a rich sense of breadth and depth.”
The nose offers a rich apple pie and raisin sweetness with toasty barrel-aging notes leading into a gentle smokiness and the nostalgic scent of antique furniture. Complex and layered aromas give the impression of standing in the warehouse where the whisky has peacefully slumbered. The palate finds mellow oak with profound depth and spicy cinnamon, roasted nuts and rich dark chocolate flavors mingling with a subtle bitterness from the peat, which is balanced by sweet apricot jam and maple syrup. The finish features gentle peat enveloped by the full body, with sweet and sour notes introducing a pleasant bitterness on a very long finish.
The bottle is crafted using “Edo-bori,” a traditional glass carving method that originated in Tokyo and evolved from western sandblast carving methods. This unique bottle shape was first introduced with the launch of The Nikka 40 years old in 2014, marking the brand’s 80th anniversary.
“This is a unique whisky that encompasses the passion, pioneer spirit, craftsmanship, delights and struggles within Nikka,” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky Global Business Strategy Education & PR Leader. “We are incredibly grateful for all of those who have supported Nikka over the past 90 years including our loyal customers, trusted partners, and dedicated team behind the supply chain and distribution. We hope that this exceptional whisky will create unforgettable moments for whisky enthusiasts around the world.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Nikka for the U.S. release of their 90th Anniversary limited offering, The Nikka Nine Decades,” says Hotaling & Co. CEO and President Dan Leese. “This remarkable blend, crafted from nine decades of tradition, showcases the rich history and unwavering commitment to quality that Nikka was founded upon. It’s not just a celebration of the past, but a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that continue to define Nikka Whisky today.”
To celebrate this historic milestone, Nikka Whisky will be hosting a two-night pop-up at Martiny’s in New York featuring Bee’s Knees from Japan, on Thursday, October 17th and Friday, October 18th.
Bottled at 48% ABV, the Nikka Nine Decades is non-chill filtered to maximize its distinct flavors and enhance the rich texture, promising an incredible tasting experience, showcasing the depth and diversity of Nikka’s whisky heritage. Retailing at an SRP of $3,000, only 4,000 bottles are available worldwide with 400 bottles being released in the U.S. at select retailers.
For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
Last October, Nikka unveiled the final release in its Discovery series, Nikka The Grain Whisky.
