Nikka debuts new Discovery whiskies

Japanese whisky brand Nikka has released two limited edition whiskies as part of its Discovery range.

In September last year, Asahi-owned Nikka revealed the first two whiskies in its new Discovery series. The expressions focused on the diversity of ingredients available within the distillery.

Following the ‘successful’ rollout of the inaugural whiskies last year, the brand has now released Yoichi Single Malt Aromatic Yeast (48% ABV) and Miyagikyo Single Malt Aromatic Yeast (47% ABV).

The new Nikka Discovery 2022 expressions highlight ‘unique’ aromas generated through fermentation.

Yoichi Single Malt Aromatic Yeast is partly made from a batch that has an estery aroma reminiscent of ginjyo sake, according to Nikka.

Meanwhile, Miyagikyo Single Malt Aromatic Yeast offers a ‘fruity’ aroma of peach and apricot.

The brand said it had been conducting experimental whisky making using various yeast cultures at different scale, such as laboratory tests, pilot plant trials, and small batch production.

These continuous experiments result in a wide variety of whiskies with distinctive aromas, the brand said.

Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky international business development manager, said: “Nikka Discovery 2022 is a fruit of our vast reserve of yeast cultures and accumulated knowhow to use them, along with skilful blending. Our blenders took great care to enhance only good aromas and integrate them with the original style of each distillery.”

The non-chill-filtered expressions are limited to 20,000 bottles each worldwide. The whiskies are priced at RRP €245 in France, or US$275 in the US.

The brand said it would continue to develop limited editions whiskies under the Discovery series.