Nikka Whisky has unveiled the 2023 release in its Discovery series, Nikka The Grain Whisky. This expression is the third and final release in the collection of Japanese whiskies, which previously included Yoichi Single Malt Aromatic Yeast and Miyagikyo Single Malt Aromatic Yeast as well as Yoichi Single Malt Non‐Peated and Miyagikyo Single Malt Peated.
Nikka The Grain Whisky features a rare blend of grain whiskies from four unique Nikka distilleries: Miyagikyo, Nishinomiya, Moji, and Satsumatsukasa. An inside look at the various experiments made during the whisky-making process at Nikka Whisky, the series explores every part of its production method and was created in anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th anniversary in 2024.
This year’s limited edition bottling focuses on the diversity of grain whisky produced throughout the history of Nikka Whisky, which has been instrumental to the brand’s founding and evolution. Bottled at 48% ABV, Nikka The Grain Whisky is crafted from seven unique personalities, with Coffey Grain from the Miyagikyo Distillery at its core. This bottling is the brand’s first introduction to grain distillates from the historic Moji Distillery and the Satsumatsukasa Distillery, which have been distilling Shochu for domestic market. Careful blending is practiced, creating a beautiful chemistry of Nikka’s wide variety of grain whiskies such as specially reserved old Coffey Grain and Coffey Malt and experimental new grain made from corn and rye.
“We are excited to introduce this very special expression for the final release of our ‘Nikka Discovery’ series, a celebration of the past and future of grain whisky.” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky Global Marketing & Sales General Manager. “This creation is achieved by both Nikka’s tradition and innovation. Our signature Coffey stills are great assets inherited from our founder Masataka Taketsuru, who learned how to distill Coffey grain whisky in Scotland and installed the 1st still in 1963. While accumulating know-how of Coffey distillation for 60 years, we have also developed distinctive new grain whiskies incorporating shochu techniques. For this special release, we even designed the label with a four-row pattern to highlight each of the four distilleries.”
“The Nikka Whisky team has done it again, created a spectacular whisky that will intrigue and excite enthusiasts in the U.S.,” says Hotaling & Co. CEO and President Dan Leese. “Approaching their 90th anniversary, Nikka Whisky has proven with this series that they are firmly rooted in history and tradition yet will never stop pushing the limits of innovation within Japanese whisky.”
The limited edition Nikka The Grain Whiskyis priced at $174.99 and only 2,600 bottles will be available in the U.S. at select retailers. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
In April, Nikka Whisky brought traditional age statements to its U.S. portfolio with the debut of Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old.