Latest Nikka Japanese Whisky Targets Everyday Drinking Occasions

Nikka Whisky Distilling, importing their products to the United States through Hotaling & Co., has unveiled a new Japanese whisky it is targeting towards “everyday drinking occasions.” It thus also reflects as one whisky that would place well in cocktails such as a simple highball.

The new Nikka Days, according to those behind it, is a blend of Japanese grain and malt whiskies that’s designed to offer a “gentle mouthfeel.” To this end it incorporates elements of other Nikka whiskies, namely in that the “blend is structured by the mellow and smooth Coffey Grain Whisky and aromatic non-peated Miyagikyo malts, along with a touch of Coffey Malt Whisky and Yoichi malts to enhance the bright sweetness and rich body.”

“As the name suggests, Nikka Days has been developed for whisky lovers who appreciate fine drinks on any casual day,” said Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky international business development manager, in a prepared statement. “This elegant whisky can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, in a simple highball or refreshing cocktail. We hope that Nikka Days will complement and elevate your day.”

As it stands now plans call for Nikka Days, bottled at a mellow 40% ABV, to be available starting this month for around $50 per 750 ml bottle. States planned for distribution include California, New York, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida and Tennessee, expanding in 2021.

You’ll find official tasting notes for this whisky below. It should be noted as well, for those who are interested in such things, that the founder of Nikka is one Masataka Taketsuru. He initially trained “in Scotland before founding Nikka in 1934 with the establishment of the Yoichi Distillery on the island of Hokkaido. Taketsuru’s early successes prompted the development of a second distillery, Miyagikyo, in 1969, this time built on the island of Honshu in the foothills of the Miyagi prefecture, in the Northern part of Honshu.”

• Aroma: Fresh and fruity with white flowers, orange blossoms, pear, and citrus
• Flavor: Light and smooth – cereals, malt, toffee, roasted nuts and vanilla
• Finish: Dry apricot, malt, vanilla, elusive peat