Nikka Whisky celebrates its 90th anniversary this year and is celebrating with the highly anticipated release of THE NIKKA NINE DECADES. The exclusive blended whisky contains spirit from Nikka’s six distilleries and distillation dates ranging from the 1940s to the 2000s.
Only 4,000 bottles will be made available worldwide with only 400 on sale in the US for a suggested retail price of $3,000.
NIKKA NINE DECADES
“The number of whiskies accumulated since the establishment of the company is tremendous, with an age gap of nearly 90 years,” says Hiromi Ozaki, Nikka Whisky Chief Blender. “I selected whiskies with outstanding characteristics among our reserves for this blend, pursuing the optimal balance from a broader view, to achieve an overall harmony with a rich sense of breadth and depth.”
“This is a unique whisky that encompasses the passion, pioneer spirit, craftsmanship, delights and struggles within Nikka,” added Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky Global Business Strategy Education & PR Leader. “We are incredibly grateful for all of those who have supported Nikka over the past 90 years including our loyal customers, trusted partners, and dedicated team behind the supply chain and distribution. We hope that this exceptional whisky will create unforgettable moments for whisky enthusiasts around the world.”
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The Packaging
NIKKA NINE DECADES has a stunning presentation. The whisky itself is housed in a bottle crafted using “Edo-bori”, a traditional glass carving method from Tokyo that involves western sandblast carving methods. The bottle shape was first introduced in 2014 with the launch of the NIKKA 40 Years Old, which celebrated Nikka’s 80th anniversary. By bringing back the unique bottle shape, Nikka is paying homage to anniversaries past.
Nikka Whisky New York Pop-Up
In celebration of Nikka’s 90th anniversary, and the launch of NIKKA NINE DECADES, the brand is hosting a two-night pop-up at Martiny’s Bar in New York City. The pop-up will take place on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th October, 2024, and will celebrate Nikka’s history through curated cocktails.
Nikka’s founder, the legendary Masataka Taketsuru, will also be honored with stories that tell how Nikka whisky came to be, and why Taketsuru is remembered as ‘the father of Japanese whisky’.
The 400 bottles for the US market will be distributed by Hotaling & Co., Nikka’s distribution partner. “We are thrilled to partner with Nikka for the U.S. release of their 90th Anniversary limited offering, The Nikka Nine Decades,” says Hotaling & Co. CEO and President Dan Leese. “This remarkable blend, crafted from nine decades of tradition, showcases the rich history and unwavering commitment to quality that Nikka was founded upon. It’s not just a celebration of the past, but a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that continue to define Nikka Whisky today.”
NIKKA NINE DECADES Tasting Notes
48% ABV
“NOSE: A rich apple pie and raisin sweetness with toasty barrel-ageing notes lead into a gentle smokiness and the nostalgic scent of antique furniture. Complex and layered aromas give the impression of standing in the warehouse where the whisky has peacefully slumbered.
TASTE: Mellow oak with profound depth forms a base, structuring the spicy cinnamon, roasted nuts and rich dark chocolate aromas. A subtle bitterness from the peat is balanced by sweet apricot jam and maple syrup.
FINISH: Gentle peat is enveloped by the full body, with sweet and sour notes introducing a pleasant bitterness on a very long finish.”
