Nikka celebrates milestone with double release
Japanese whisky producer Nikka first unveiled its square-bottled Nikka From the Barrel in 1985. Now, 40 years on, the brand is celebrating its anniversary with two new creations.
Nikka’s two new offerings have been unveiled in the UK in time for the festive gifting period. The first, Nikka From the Barrel Extra Marriage, brings together grain whisky from Nikka’s renowned Coffey stills with malt whiskies sourced primarily from the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries.
The limited release is said to have taken the original Nikka From the Barrel and ‘pushed it even further’, adding a cask marriage period of double the time.
The result is a whisky that is described as a balance of vibrancy, elegance, and layered complexity.
Presented in its original square bottle and adorned with a new silver label stamped with ‘Extra Marriage’, the whisky is offered as ‘a tribute to 40 years of expertise’.
Nikka from the Barrel Extra Marriage opens with aromas of honey, beeswax and tropical pineapple along with nutmeg and ginger, plus a gentle and elegant smoky character and a rich earthiness.
On the palate, candied lemon and cocoa powder can be detected alongside roasted cereals and plum jam, ending with a flinty, salty peat note.
Gifting trio
Nikka has also unveiled a limited edition gift set that has been designed as an ‘immersion’ into the blend.
It features a trio of whiskies designed to offer the receiver the opportunity to explore the new Extra Marriage bottling alongside two of the key components that define its signature character – the malt and grain whiskies, known as Malt Pieces of the Barrel, and Grain Pieces of the Barrel.
Malt Pieces of the Barrel is the malt side of the blend, which reveals bold notes of peat and smoke, layers of malt, herbs, fruit, and spice, all of which showcases the ‘strength and structure’ that Yoichi and Miyagikyo bring to the mix.
A small addition of heavily-peated Yoichi whisky aged in new American oak adds depth and a long, satisfying finish.
Meanwhile the softer, more rounded grain component is highlighted by Grain Pieces of the Barrel, which opens with fresh notes of vanilla, fruit, herbs and flowers over a warm, spicy backbone with hints of chilli.
A touch of Satsuma Tsukasa Distillery’s corn and rye whisky, along with matured Coffey grain, brings vibrancy to the expression.
This gift set is said to provide a rare insight into the creation of Nikka From the Barrel, offering the chance to understand each element individually before experiencing Extra Marriage, and is described as a fitting celebration of 40 years of Japanese craftsmanship and blending mastery.
Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage is available at selected partners for RRP £51 (US$67), while the Three Bottles Gift Set retails at £275 (US$361). Both are available now.
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