Nikka whiskey: history, overview of taste and types
Nikka is the second largest producer of malt beverages in Japan after Suntory.
The company's assortment includes various types of whiskey: single malt and blended, young and aged, standard and high strength.
Learn more more Japanese whiskeys
The history of Nikka whiskey
The inhabitants of the eastern country owe the appearance of their own malt alcohol to a man named Masataka Takeshuru. He was the first local entrepreneur to become interested in the production of scotch and began the first experiments in this direction.
To master the technology of whiskey, Masataka traveled to Scotland in 1918 to study chemistry at the University of Glasgow.
After completing the theoretical course, the young Japanese man began to comprehend the secrets of distilling and blending in practice, working at three enterprises at once.
Masataka took up his studies with all his passion and oriental thoroughness: finely scribbled notes filled with a detailed description of the process became the first Japanese manual on whiskey production.
After returning home with his Scottish wife, Taketsuru got a job at Kotobukiya Limited (modern Suntory), where he managed the project to build the country's first distillery.
After 10 years, being already an experienced producer, the "father of Japanese whiskey" decided to build his own distillery. To establish the Yoichi Distillery, the northern part of Japan, the village of Yoshi in Hokkaido, was chosen, where Masataka found everything he needed to start production: a source of clean water, high-quality barley, peat reserves, climate and terrain similar to those of Scotland.
Initially, the company produced apple products under the brand "Dai Nippon Kaju".
The first whiskey "Nikka" was introduced in 1940. It got its name from the abbreviation of the company's name: Nippon + Kaju.
In 1949, Masataka's nephew, Takeshi Taketsuru, joined the company's management.
In 1952, the company was renamed The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co. Ltd.", and in 1969 it added another distillery "Miyagikyo Distillery" to its possessions.
In 2002, the Yoshi distillery (the first in Japan) received a certificate from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society for its high quality products.
Specifics of production
Nikka whiskey production technology is largely copied from the Scottish one, so Japanese drinks are very similar to scotch. With typical local features:
The presence of a special microclimate with high humidity, which affects the character of the final product.
Distillation in cubes of various types and shapes, which allows to obtain a wide range of unique spirits with original characteristics.
Aging in barrels of different types: new and old, Japanese, American, Spanish.
Types of Nikka whiskey
Nikka Black
The most famous and popular product of the company, recognizable by the branded label with a "bearded man". It features none other than Masataka Takeshuru.
The series is sold mainly in Japan, where it is represented by several versions of the drink.
It is rarely delivered to Russia and other countries.
Yoichi Single Malt
A single malt that demonstrates the bold and strong character of the seaside distillery on the island of Hokkaido.
Repeatedly won the title of "Best Single Malt in the World".
Contains pleasant peaty and smoky notes, light salty accent. Strength: 45%.
Miyagikyo Single Malt
A single malt whisky that reflects the mellow style of the second distillery located in the Sendai Mountains.
It has an elegant fruitiness and characteristic aroma with strong sherry tones. Alcohol content: 45%.
Taketsuru Pure Malt
A series of balanced malt blends, including several beverages of varying degrees of aging. General notes: ripe fruit and malt. As it ages, the bouquet develops roundness, layering, subtle peat and oak accents.
The whiskey was highly praised by whiskey connoisseur Jim Murray, in 2018 it won the title "World’s Best Blended Malt". Strength: 45%.
From the barrel
A series of exclusive blends, the spirits for which are selected by blending masters. It has an increased strength (51.4%), bright taste and rich aroma.
Before bottling, the blend is aged for several months in old barrels to harmonize the bouquet.
The Nikka 12 Years Old
A special premium whiskey, first introduced in 2014, packaged in stylish bottles with a golden emblem and an asymmetrical design that imitates a kimono.
The balanced blend is dominated by malt spirits, which give the drink a rich flavor and noble aroma.
The inclusion of grain components softens the bouquet and gives it tenderness. Strength: 43%.
Super Nikka
A blended whiskey created by the founder of the brand in 1962 in memory of his wife Rita, who supported and inspired him throughout his life.
The balanced drink has a rounded aroma, smooth texture, mild flavor with delicate peat, vanilla and sherry hints. Strength: 43%.
Coffey Grain and Coffey Malt.
Two drinks - malt and grain - are made in specially designed cubes ("Coffey Still"). Distinguished by a rich, juicy flavor. Durability: 45%.
Update: 30.05.2019
Category: Whiskey and Bourbon