Nikka Nine Decades

Nikka Nine Decades, NAS, 48%

Nikka Yoichi Distillery was established 1934. Earlier this year saw the release of a special whisky expression launched to commemorate this momentous anniversary. I have now gotten the chance to try the Nikka Nine Decades.

First some background; from the detailed product page at La Maison du Whisky, the European distributor for Nikka, we find the following:

“The Nikka Nine Decades is the result of blending 50 whiskies. Writing, note by note, the score of an epic story that began in 1934, this anniversary cuvée is made up of whisky taken from the oldest cask kept by Nikka, a Yoichi distilled in 1945, several vintages of the same single malt from the 1950s to 2020, Miyagikyo from the 1960s to 2020 and Coffey Grain and Coffey Malt from the Nishinomiya and Miyagikyo distilleries, as well as more recent grain whiskies from Moji and Satsuma Tsukasa. Echoing Nikka's historic links with Scotland, the blend also incorporates Ben Nevis from the 1960s to 2020.”

The first batch of 2000 bottles of this product (1000 for Japan, 1000 for overseas markets) went on sale on July 2nd 2024, and the second (and last) batch of 2000 bottles with the same breakdown was released in October this year (source: nomunication.jp).

Here is what Hiromi Ozaki, Nikka Whisky Chief Blender, says about the product (from the official product page):

“The framework of the blend is built on a malt base. The peaty feel of Yoichi malt, the sweet aroma of new casks, the fruity flavor of Miyagikyo malt, and the fruitiness of sherry casks. And the brilliance unique to Scotch, brought about by Ben Nevis malt, which is an essential part of Nikka Whisky's history. The rich-bodied coffey grain and coffey malt smoothly connect these individualities. The grain from the Moji Factory and Satsuma Tsukasa Distillery deliberately highlights their new individuality. As the successor to the 90-year-old legacy, we must continue to take on new challenges, just like our predecessors . We hope that you will enjoy this whisky while thinking about Nikka Whisky's history and future.”

The Nikka Nine Decades is still available to buy from La Maison du Whisky at € 2490.

Nose: A delightful bouquet of aromas unfolds with chocolate, coffee, and toasted oak leading the way. Ripe orchard fruits and dried fruits add depth, supported by a tempered sweetness. With time, the complexity grows with notes of incense, sandalwood, assorted nuts, and dried orange peel, culminating in dark citrus tones that become increasingly prominent.

Taste: Full-bodied and luxuriously rich. Milk chocolate studded with crystallized orange peel. Cold-brewed coffee, and maple syrup create a add further depth. Soft spices of cinnamon and white pepper weave through, alongside mild oakiness reminiscent of pencil shavings and toasted wood.

Finish: A long, dynamic finish, delivering wave after wave of complexity. The medium sweetness dances with soft bitter and sour fruity notes, keeping it fresh, playful, and endlessly engaging.

Comment: Wow! A stunning testament to nine decades of whisky mastery - this dram truly shines.

Score 94/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas