Nikka Coffey Gin 750ml
(Japan)

About Nikka: 
The founder of Nikka and the father of Japanese whisky, Masataka Taketsuru, received his training in Scotland while under contract for another company. Taketsuru founded Nikka in 1934 with the establishment of the Yoichi Distillery on the island of Hokkaido. Taketsuru's early successes prompted the development of a second distillery in 1969, this time built on the island of Honshu in the foothills of the Miyagi prefecture, two hours north of Tokyo.

About the Gin:
Coffey Gin's complexity is achieved through the perfect balance between 11 selected botanicals and the silky texture of Coffey distillates. The bright and zesty aroma originating from four kinds of Japanese citruses, Yuzu, Kabosu, Amanatsu and Shequasar, compliments the traditional gin botanicals of juniper berries, angelica, coriander seeds, lemon and orange peels.

There is also a touch of apples, a fruit deeply related to the history of Nikka, followed by pleasantly tangy hints of green Japanese Sansho pepper on the finish.

47% ABV

Awards/Reviews:

Grade: A (Drinkhacker)

"On the nose, bold notes of orangey citrus and lemon rind. Some pine and pepper follow. The palate follows suit but is much more complex: There’s a lot going on here. The citrus and lemon peel notes hit first and mix with a lovely, oily mouthfeel that carries both a spike of pepper and a touch of sweetness. Then the gin takes an herbal turn, perhaps from the Japanese pepper, and the finish introduces a slight menthol note that is quite lengthy before slowly fading. The individual flavors are really distinctive but come together beautifully into an integrated whole. Nikka works with tonic, but the result is more a complex cocktail that showcases citrus, herbal notes, and a strong bitter character than a summer sipper. For me, Nikka Coffey Gin is best served neat or with an ice cube. For adventurous gin fans, this is one to seek out."

"First pour reveals a distinctly citrus-forward aroma. Notes of Amalfi and Meyer lemon zests with a delicate menthol-kissed black pepper note. On the palate, Nikka Coffey Gin tastes wildly unlike any other gin I’ve tried. It has a sourness that is tart, yet not astringent whatsoever. Lemon and orange build at first, suddenly peaking with a burst of lemon zest, and then shiso. Nikka Coffey Gin then abruptly takes a turn in the opposite direction. Lemon pith, bitter orange flesh and a touch of bitter tangerine all combine. Bold, zesty white and black peppercorn crunches and wormwood. The finish is exceptionally long. When I say the finish of Nikka Coffey Gin is exceptionally long— I mean it. We’re talking a nearly one minute journey when just sipped neat. It’s a really enjoyable gin that doesn’t taste like anything else on the market." -The Gin Is In