Nikka is owned by the brewer Asahi, the company was originally set up by Masataka Taketsuru, who built Yoichi distillery in 1934, having previously spent two years studying the art of distilling in Scotland. (He also developed the now famous 'Yamazaki' distillery in Kyoto for Suntory which he managed for ten years). Nikka's range of blended, pure malt and single malt whiskies will be exciting new discoveries for any Whisky enthusiast. Japanese whisky is slowly becoming on par with Scotland's famous distilleries among many of the leading whisky experts. Nikka Pure Malt Black Whisky is nutty and malty on the nose, with developing peat and a hint of ginger. In the mouth this is initially fresh and fruity – Spangles sweets, followed by subtle peat, toffee and spicy oak. The finish is lingering, sappy, peaty, and with pleasing fragrant notes. Nikka has done a great job integrating everything in the Pure Malt Black (i.e., a truly balanced blend of the peaty Yoichi and fruity Miyagikyo). One should never miss the opportunity to try a Nikka whisky neat, in an appropriate tasting glass in order to capture the full extent of the complexity and the unique profile each expression has to offer. Adding ice cubes to a fine whisky, however, is not at be seen as inappropriate in Japan. Ice cubes should be as large as possible, and the preferred option is one large block or ball of clear ice for a slow tasting experience. Japanese bartenders often hand-carve their ice for an unforgettable experience.

Firm, powerful. A well-balanced attack gives equal footing to aromas of peat, smoke, spices, fresh fruit (melon, kiwi) and nuts (almond, walnut), which it delivers in spades. The mid-palate starts off with chocolate notes, but the peat soon takes the lead once again.The finish is long, silky. Extremely mature, it overflows with ripe fruit (pear, Mirabelle plum, apple). The peat starts taking on an herbaceous and malty character, while the salty flavours gives the finish plenty of depth and coastal freshness. The final nose offers menthol, spicy (coriander, dill) and earthy (leather, chestnuts) notes.

Light in body, yet full of flavour, this is an excellent introduction to Japanese whisky. Elegantly fruity with sherry-cask character.Firm, lively. Malted barley is at the heart of the palate, coated in herbaceous, liquorice, spiced (ginger, cinnamon) and chocolate tones. Very elegant, the mid-palate also delivers plenty of energy and as it draws to a close, fresh tobacco leaves and coconut intertwine to create a natural symphony of aromas. The finish is long, soft. It evokes the scent of wilted roses. Fine tannins balance its tangy character (lemon, grapefruit). It lingers on notes of tobacco, spices (cardamom, ginger), toasted nuts and stewed fruits (apple, damson). The final nose reveals exotic notes (lychee).

Super Nikka is a blended whisky born in 1962. Classic style of blended whisky with gentle peatiness and hints of vanilla and sherry. These beautiful flavours are rounded and well-balanced with a smooth texture and mellow mouthfeel.

Nikka has always been at the crossroads of cultures, between the East and the West, Nature and Human, Tradition and Innovation. Each day is a new journey which continuously learn from previous ones. Nikka Days, the latest creation of the brand, is a shining example of this state of mind. A subtle blend of grain and malt whiskies. Creamy and smooth, fruity and floral, this whisky will please amateurs and connoisseurs.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some light creasing/scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured. DISCONTINUED. Following Suntory's lead, Nikka has discontinued its lines of extra-aged whiskies, with some reports that the shortage could last up to a decade before the taps are turned back on. Winner World's Best Blended Malt at the 2018 World Whisky Awards. Nikka's range of blended, pure malt and single malt whiskies will be exciting new discoveries for any Whisky enthusiast. This now discontinued 17 Year Old bottling is dedicated to the Father of the Japanese Whisky Industry, Masataka Taketsuru. The tale of Taketsuru's life is of the same fabric legends are made of. Sent in 1918 as young apprentice to Scotland by his Japanese employers to crack the secrets of Whisky, he not only came back with that knowledge but also with Rita Taketsuru (nee Cowan), who went on playing a decisive role in the development of the Japanese Whisky industry. Thanks to her connection to Japanese high society, Masataka was able to finance the company that is now known as Nikka Whisky. Forward a century later, Taketsuru 17 yo is awarded the Best Blended Whisky at the World Whisky awards 2012 and 2018, a fitting crown for this blend of Malts from the two Nikka distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagikyo.

Lots of very warm reviews on the blogoshere for this no-age-statement expression of Nikka which reportedly over-delivers for an entry level whisky. Named after the company's founder, Masataka Taketsuru, and aged on average for around 10 years, it includes whiskies from the Miyagikyo & Yoichi distilleries, including malt matured in Sherry casks.

Masataka Taketsuru's passion took him to Scotland to learn the art of distilling. Returning to Japan, the father of Japanese whisky founded Japan's first malt distillery and carefully created a whisky with the very finest fragrance, body and taste. Todday, Nikka remains faithful to Taketsuru's patient dedication to blending and passion for quality, distilling at a site chosen for its natural attributes. The secret of this superb whisky is craftsmanship complemented by nature's blessings. Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old Whisky is the pinnacle of blended whisky for Nikka. Note - item does not come with a gift box.

Nikka Tailored Premium Japanese Whisky was release in 2019 as the long-awaited replacement for the Nikka 12 Year Old. This whisky has been exceptionally produced. The nose is lively and fruity with malty aromas of vanilla, caramel, cookies, and biscuits. The palate is sweet but with a firm malt base carried by a gentle sweetness from the Coffey grain. The finish lingers with a spicy bitterness. In 1918, a young Japanese man with an ambition to make genuine whisky went alone to Scotland to unveil the secret of whisky making. He is Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky. Given the chance to go to Scotland, Masataka became the first Japanese ever to master how to make whisky.