Nikka Coffey Grain is a testament to Masataka Taketsuru’s pioneering journey in 1918, studying Scotch whisky in Scotland. Established in 1934, Nikka’s Yoichi distillery on Hokkaido crafts robust, smoky whisky, while Miyagikyo on Honshu produces a softer variant.
Nikka Coffey Grain has absolutely nothing to do with coffee, even though you occasionally come across tasting notes mentioning freshly roasted coffee beans. It’s not to say that such descriptions are wrong, as taste is subjective, but in these instances, one might suspect that the writer has been misled by the name.
Nikka Coffey Grain stands tall as a paragon among whiskies, earning its stripes as a must-have in any connoisseur’s collection. This Japanese gem has not only carved a niche for itself but has also left a lasting impression, challenging the traditional dominance of Scotch in the realm of young and enjoyable grain whiskies.
The distinction of Nikka Coffey Grain lies in its meticulous craftsmanship and multifaceted flavor profile, setting it apart on the international stage. Unlike many distilleries that focus solely on creating grain whisky for their renowned blend whiskies, Nikka approaches the creation of Coffey Grain with the intent to present it as a standalone single grain offering. This, coupled with the renowned Japanese precision, places Nikka Coffey Grain in a league of its own.
A key factor contributing to its success is the use of corn as the primary ingredient, in contrast to the prevalent use of wheat in grain whiskies worldwide. The choice of corn imparts a sweeter and smoother spirit, displaying a velvety character even in its youthful years.
The uniqueness of Nikka’s grain stills at the Miyagikyo Distillery near Sendai cannot be overstated. These two ancient Coffey stills, imported by Masataka Taketsuru in the mid-1960s, are constructed based on the original patent awarded to Aenas Coffey. Such antiquated stills are a rarity, as they have largely been replaced by modern column stills for a more streamlined and cleaner distillation process.
Nikka Coffey Grain has garnered a devoted following both in Sweden and around the globe. As the annual allocation hits the shelves at Systembolaget from February 9, 2024 (Product number: 40655-01, 700ml priced at 599 SEK), swift action is advised to secure a bottle of this liquid masterpiece. Here’s to embarking on a journey through time and savoring the nuanced flavors of Nikka Coffey Grain – a testament to Japanese whisky excellence. Cheers!