Nikka Whisky, a leading Japanese whisky brand, has recently announced that it will be reintroducing its age-statement single malt whiskies to the market. This move is a welcome return to the traditional methods of producing and aging whisky, as the industry has seen a recent trend towards non-age-statement expressions.
For the past several years, Nikka has been releasing a range of non-age-statement whiskies that have been well received by whisky enthusiasts around the world. However, the company has decided to return to its roots and offer a range of age-statement single malt expressions that showcase the depth and complexity of its whiskies.
The Nikka distillery was founded by Masataka Taketsuru in 1934, and he brought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in whisky production from his time spent studying in Scotland. He was determined to create a distinctly Japanese style of whisky, and his efforts were successful, as Nikka whiskies have become known for their elegant and balanced flavor profiles.
One of the key features of Nikka’s age-statement single malt whiskies is their use of Japanese oak casks for aging. The company has its own cooperage, where it crafts its casks from locally sourced Mizunara oak. These casks impart a unique flavor profile to the whisky, with notes of sandalwood, coconut, and Japanese incense.
The Nikka age-statement single malt range will consist of three expressions: a 12-year-old, a 17-year-old, and a 21-year-old. Each of these whiskies will offer a distinct flavor profile, with the 12-year-old being lighter and more approachable, while the 17 and 21-year-old expressions will offer more complexity and depth.
The 12-year-old expression is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, which give it a sweet and fruity character, with notes of vanilla, honey, and dried fruit. It has a smooth and creamy texture, with a long and warming finish.
The 17-year-old expression is matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks, which give it a more delicate and refined flavor profile. It has notes of citrus, green apple, and honey, with a subtle hint of oak. It has a smooth and silky texture, with a long and satisfying finish.
The 21-year-old expression is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and Japanese oak casks, which give it a rich and complex flavor profile. It has notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and dried fruit, with a hint of smoke and spice. It has a velvety texture, with a long and luxurious finish.
The decision to reintroduce age-statement single malt whiskies is a welcome move for Nikka, as it demonstrates a commitment to traditional methods of whisky production and a desire to showcase the depth and complexity of its whiskies. It also sets the brand apart from the growing trend towards non-age-statement expressions, which can sometimes be seen as a way for distillers to cut corners and offer younger whiskies at higher prices.
Overall, the reintroduction of Nikka’s age-statement single malt range is a positive development for the whisky industry, as it shows that there is still a demand for traditional methods of production and aging. It also gives whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the unique flavor profile of Nikka’s whiskies in a more traditional format, and to appreciate the skill and expertise that goes into creating these complex and elegant expressions.
Nikka Whisky Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old is bottled at 90 proof, and has an SRP of $175—but don’t be surprised if, like other age statements Japanese whiskies, you find it being sold for more than that. The plan is for this to be an annual release in limited quantities, and at the moment it might be hard to find online. But check out ReserveBar for Nikka expressions from Yoichi and its other labels, including this $20,000 bottle of the limited-edition 2021 Miyagikyo Single Malt Peated.