Japanese whisky has gained prominence in recent times. Although its global reach is a more recent phenomenon, it has been a national sensation since the early days of the last century. Nikka, one of the pioneering brands in this field, was founded in 1934 by the legendary distiller Masataka Taketsuru, considered by many as the father of Japanese whisky. This year, the brand commemorates its 90th anniversary with a special release: The Nikka Nine Decades, an exclusive blend of some of its rarest and oldest liquors.
This luxury whisky comprises liquids collected over nine decades, from the 1940s to the 2020s. As the brand mentions on its official website: “We have adopted a wide variety of unmixed sake that colors the history of challenge. From the Yoichi malt of 1945 and the malt produced in the newly created Miyagikyo Distillery, to the grains from the Moji Factory and Satsumaji Distillery, which will shape the future. We have compiled the Ben Nevis malt, which speaks of its deep and longstanding ties to Scotland, world-class coffee grain malt, and aromatic yeast malt, which was once a surprise in the Discovery Series. We will build a new era inheriting the passion and skills of our predecessors, who continued to take on challenges no matter the difficulties they faced. This is a challenging culmination that embodies such determination and is worthy of a turning point in history.”
Despite its Japanese origin, Nikka Nine Decades cannot be labeled as Japanese whisky due to recent regulations restricting the inclusion of aged liquors that were not distilled in Japan. This blend proudly presents its diversity, as Nikka’s parent company, Asahi Group Holdings Ltd, owns six distilleries, including Ben Nevis in Scotland. This fusion of styles and flavors highlights the Japanese market’s trend toward “World blended whisky.”
Additionally, Nikka has announced an investment of 6 billion yen to expand its production and alleviate the whisky shortage caused by its popularity and other factors. The investment will be used for warehouse construction and the purchase of the Tochigi cooperage in Sakura, Tochigi Prefecture. This plan is estimated to increase the distillery’s storage capacity by 10%.
The release of Nikka Nine Decades marks a significant milestone in the company’s history, continuing the legacy of Dai Nippon Kaju Co., founded in 1934. Hiromi Ozaki, Nikka’s master blender, expresses, “This has been an unprecedented challenge, requiring extremely precise blending techniques and creative thinking. We have amassed a vast amount of unmixed whisky since our foundation, with an age difference of almost 90 years. We selected and blended those that stood out among them, looked at them from a bird’s eye view, found the optimal solution for balance, and great harmony to provide a a rich and deep experience.”
Nikka Nine Decades has been bottled with an alcohol content of 48%. Only 4,000 commemorative bottles of 700ml have been produced. 2,000 will be available from July 2, the anniversary of the founding of Dai Nippon Kaju Co., and the rest in October, mainly in hotel bars. The initial price is 330,000 yen (approximately $2,120) per bottle.
The anticipation for this release is palpable, especially among whisky collectors and connoisseurs seeking to acquire a unique piece for their collections. With its combination of history, quality, and rarity, Nikka Nine Decades stands as a highly coveted acquisition in the world of luxury whisky. It is estimated that 400 bottles will reach the American market with a launch price above $3,000. So, if you’re interested in acquiring a bottle, be prepared to shell out a hefty sum.
Official tasting notes:
Nose: Rich sweetness like apple pie and raisins, a fragrant barrel-aged aroma reminiscent of toast, a gentle smokiness, a nostalgic retro aroma like antique furniture, and a complex layer of various aromas, making it as quiet as unmixed sake. Feel like you’re inside a storage room.
Palate: Based on a rich and thick barrel, it has a spicy flavor reminiscent of cinnamon, a richness like toasted nuts and bitter chocolate, a bitter peatiness, and a sweetness like apricot jam and maple syrup. Feel the warmth of being there.
Finish: A deep and pleasant bitter taste with soft peat, deep richness, and long-lasting bittersweet flavor.
Sitio web oficial: https://www.nikka.com
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