Nikka From The Barrel Japanese Whisky Drops Into American Retail

The Nikka Whisky Distilling Company has an important place in Japanese whisky history in that its founder, Masataka Taketsuru, is considered to be the father of the nation’s whisky industry. We’ve highlighted a variety of whiskies from Nikka as ones you should consider for your liquor cabinet if you can get a hold of them. Now a new import from this brand, Nikka From The Barrel, may send you to the liquor store once again.

Nikka From The Barrel, according to those behind it, was first introduced into Japan back in 1986, and is considered a coveted expression for travelers to bring back from its homeland. It is a Japanese blended whisky, bringing together a very complex mix of more than 100 different batches of malt whisky and grain whisky produced at Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, and aged in multiple types of casks: ex-bourbon barrels and puncheons, ex-sherry butts, and refilled, recharred and remade hogsheads. While non-age statement in nature, importer Hotaling & Co. did note the blend undergoes three to six months of additional aging at Nikka’s aging cellar to help in the marriage of flavors.

“Nikka From The Barrel is the best-selling expression outside of Japan,” said Hotaling & Co. president and CEO, Dennis Carr, in a prepared statement. “We are thrilled to bring this beloved whisky to the U.S. and look forward to seeing the cocktail creativity it inspires in bartenders across the country.”

Plans call for this whisky, bottled at 51.4%, to be available at a price point of around $65. It is housed in a distinctive square bottle that’s said to reflect “a small block of whisky.” Limited official tasting notes suggest a “refined complex nose with floral, fruity notes of spice and leather. Features a firm, powerful spicy and woody palate. Caramelized apples and flowers.”