Spirits SIP Pack - Nikka Japanese Whisky Trio

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Nikka From The Barrel Japanese Whisky
(750ml) [WA #1, Top 20 of 2018]

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 Whisky:

This is a blend of multiple types of malt and grain that Nikka reserves. Nikka From the Barrel was created to deliver full flavors and richness of whisky "from barrels" which only blenders can sniff and taste. As the whisky contains so many characteristic components at a higher alcohol of 51.4%, it is essential to let the liquid "marriage" in used casks for 3-6 months for it to stabilize and harmonize. The concept of the unique short squared bottle is "a small lump of whisky", which perfectly visualizes the rich and strong taste of the whisky inside.

Tasting Notes:

NOSE: Bourbon Vanilla bean and corn notes with a hint of chamomile
PALATE: Sweet melon, grapefruit and maple syrup, balanced by crunchy biscuit and fresh vanilla
FINISH: Sweet, vibrant and long lasting
PROOF: 102.8 (51.4% ABV)

Ratings & Reviews:

Gold - World Whiskies Awards 2022

Gold - Intl Spirits Challenge 2022

Best Japanese Blended Whisky - World Whiskies Awards 2021

#1 Whisky of the World - Whisky Advocate Top 20 2018 (94 pts)
"Notably balanced and elegant, the colorful palette of whiskies combines for tremendous depth of flavor. Soft, sweet butterscotch and orange peel meet poached pears and stone fruits. Earthiness appears as dried autumn leaves, coffee, old oak, and tobacco. Among the tangle of spices, tasters identified chili pepper, allspice, cloves, and universally adored its ginger note. Finally, wisps of smoke and sea salt. Overall, it feels generously malty, with the grain whisky lending broad sweetness and supple mouthfeel across the long finish. Beyond its delightful flavors, Nikka From the Barrel presents some paradoxes worthy of contemplation over a glass. It is a classic, yet new to the U.S. It is typically Japanese, yet singularly magnificent. It is delightful sipped neat and also blossoms with water. Even the simple, squat bottle is in contrast to the profound complexity within. The great majority of new Japanese whiskies now arriving to our shores are so rare and so expensive that they seem intended only for elite whisky lovers. Nikka From the Barrel is a consummate Japanese blend for anyone to enjoy."

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Nikka "Coffey Grain" Whisky
(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 Whisky:
This Grain Whisky is distilled in a "Coffey still", which is a very traditional and rare patent still Nikka imported from Scotland in 1963. The Coffey still produces a complex whisky with a mellow and sweet taste originating from the grain itself. Please enjoy the uniqueness of this whisky which Nikka offers to the connoisseurs.

Ratings & Reviews:

Best Japanese Grain Whiskey - World Whiskies Awards 2022
Gold - Intl Spirits Challenge 2021
Liquid Gold Award 2018 Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible
Chairman's Trophy, 93 Points - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2014
Gold Medal - 2013 International Spirits Challenge
14 Best Japanese Whisky Bottles to Drink Right Now - Esquire

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:
"The name of this whisky has nothing to do with coffee—rather, it's named for a type of still invented by Aneas Coffey, which is used to make this golden spirit. It offers mild vanilla-pear aromatics and is relatively light and silky on the palate. Look for a light vanilla sweetness at first, which gives way to a rounded dark chocolate note and baking spice finish. Recommended for highballs and other mixed drinks." - Kara Newman (3/1/2016)

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Nikka "Coffey Malt" Whisky
(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 Whisky:
The originality of this 100% malt expression lies in its unique distillation method. Malted barley is distilled in a Coffey still, a traditional continuous still which is normally used to produce grain whisky.

Nikka operates two Coffey stills (named after its inventor Aeneas Coffey). These were imported from Scotland in 1963 and yield a distillate with more flavor than modern column stills
MASH BILL: 100% malted barley
TASTING NOTES: cinnamon, clove, lemon, with rich oak & mild chocolate on the finish

ABV 45% / 90 proof

Awards/Reviews

"Now a hugely welcome part of the core range, this whisky—made in Coffey stills at the Miyagikyo distillery—uses 100% malted barley as its base. The nose is all tinned peach, tropical fruit juice, and baked banana, with a surprising green celery note, coconut, and sherbet. The palate is silky, with some chocolate, biscuity oak, and orange blossom honey. Water brings those green notes forward to add freshness to the peach cobbler sweetness." - Whisky Advocate