Asahi Premium Beverages has officially launched Nikka Whisky’s Coffey Range into the Australian Market, expanding its innovative range.
Nikka is also known for its Coffey still column distillation named after Irish inventor Aeneas Coffey, which is a traditional type of continuous still patented in the 1830’s, to ensure the whisky retains its unique and incredible flavours whilst also adding the distinct aroma that is a feature of all Nikka’s “Coffey” expressions.
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky with its uniqueness has earned it cult status across the world. It is made mainly from corn, distilled in a Coffey still and aged in American Oak casks.
Since the 1960’s, Nikka has been operating its two sets of Coffey stills. Taketsuru recognised that flavour was key and could produce a more distinctive whisky to that of modern stills.
Nikka International Business Development Representative, Naoki Tomoyoshi says, “We have a very rare still which produces an incredible liquid. We think Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky was a breakthrough product for the grain whisky category when it was first introduced in 2012.”
Featuring aromas of vanilla, coconut and tropical fruits, Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky offers a rich, soft, sweet flavour and delicate finish, earning it a Gold Award at the 2013 International Spirits Challenge. Owing to the delicate flavours, Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky is the perfect option for both whisky connoisseurs and novices alike.
Asahi Premium Beverages spokesperson Michael Edmonds says, “We’re so excited to officially be launching the Nikka Coffey range into the Australian market and especially the Coffey Grain Whisky. The whisky has received a lot of love from bartenders globally and we’re excited to see what bartenders in Australia create with it.” ”Today, Nikka Coffey Grain has become one of the most interesting products to work with behind the bar, allowing to create a much elegant and mellow version of a standard cocktail,” added Tomoyoshi.
Nikka’s Coffey Grain Whisky (700ml, 45% ABV) is RRP $129.99 and is available at select premium venues and stores.
It has been a while since I tasted it, here’s my review on the bottle…
Tasting Notes:
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
Style: Sweet and Herbal
Nose:
An icy peppermint overture leading to a round honey cornflakes and grainy aroma. The sweetness flourishes nicely after it breathes a while. More spearmint volatile flashing on the spirit side. Blow it off and we have warm bread crust dipping into sweet vanilla-peanut sauce at the back end.
Palate:
Round, grain sweetness on the palate, incredible smooth and easy, corn syrup fusing with vanilla caramel sauce. Chocolate cornflakes pushed up by a grassy, herbal core. Orange liqueur, some agar agar, honey toast highlighted by a couple of husky brushes. A sponge cake finish.
Finish:
Peppermint reducing to dust, Valencia oranges and grain sweetness fading and whispering softly.
Thoughts:
Such a sweet and approachable whisky we have here. The vanilla honey, fresh herbs and chocolate-fruits aligned in a simple but meaningful way which makes it lip-smacking delicious. It has been years since I revisited this expression, and I still quite like it. Some connoisseurs might find it a bit syrupy, but I totally dig it. Great introductory whisky. Close to 1 star.
✓ [Recommended if you like the style/ distillery]
[45%・Original Bottling (Will there be an IB for this?)・No Age Statement・Japanese Single Grain Whisky・General Release • t]
-Esmond
WhiskNick 