Day 4 well as I am writing this up a smarter person than me would have noticed that we have back to back “international” whiskies but here we are and the order is set. Japan dosen’t make a lot of whisky compared to the amount they drink. This is reflected in the availability and general size of bottles but what does escape is tasty and I think today’s dram is no exception. As part of BC Liquor’s spring release party this is one that if you look you should be able to find but it might be hard. Let’s dig in and enjoy!
Whisky
Country: Japan
Age: NAS
ABV: 51.4%
Profile
The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co. Ltd. (ニッカウヰスキー株式会社, Nikka Uwisukii Kabushiki Gaisha) is a producer of Japanese whisky and other beverages headquartered in Tokyo. It is owned by Asahi Group Holdings.
The company operates a number of distilleries and other facilities in Japan, including two Japanese whisky distilleries, the Yoichi distillery in Yoichi, Hokkaidō (established in 1934), and the Miyagikyo distillery in Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Northern Honshū (established in 1969). It also owns the Ben Nevis Distillery (acquired in 1989) in Scotland.
History
The founder, Masataka Taketsuru, travelled to Scotland in 1918 to learn the process of distilling Scotch whisky first hand. He studied organic chemistry under Prof. T. S. Patterson at the University of Glasgow and malt whisky production at the Hazelburn distillery, in Campbeltown near the Mull of Kintyre. He married Jessie Roberta “Rita” Cowan, the daughter of a Glasgow doctor, and returned with her to Japan in 1920. In 1923 he joined Kotobukiya (currently Suntory) and helped to establish a distillery before starting Nikka in 1934.
After their deaths, the company was run by their adoptive son, Takeshi Taketsuru, who expanded its business substantially.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Banana again, Cinnamon bread, Sea brine
Taste: Cinnamon buns, Salt
Finish: Warmth, Maybe banana bread? General cosiness, Caramel, Maple salt water taffy,
Purchase Links
BC Liquor