Thanks for this review. I went to the local Liquor store looking for this product, since I had seen it on the associated web site, but at the store I found instead the product that did not seem as desirable to me, the product labeled "Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky." This was fairly expensive (about $70. here) for an 'unknown' grain whisky that I had not seen specifically recommended, but I decided to purchase and taste test this other Nikka product based upon the highly recommended Malt product that you review here. I was absolutely "blown away" (sorry for the jargon) by this "Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky." I think it is fantastic (it is great). My evaluation may seem excessive, but my first impression is this is my near favorite or favorite whisky which is to be held up next to and considered in the same excellent taste 'league' as my other favorite, The Glenlivet 18 year old. The Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky has the complex flavor of a great scotch but with a subtle sweetness (like a seriously toned down version of a Bourbon which in this case has no 'glue' or acetone smell). While it seems very much like a high quality scotch, you notice the absence of an ever so slightly 'bitter' scotch malt taste (I'm referring to a taste we become accustomed to and we enjoy). I noticed a very slight essence of a "blend" just the slightest amount of that "scotch blend" taste that I think comes from the non-malt contribution in a blend. This whisky is such a favorite now, I'm concerned I might end up just buying repeat bottles of Nikka over time. This flavor combination is great enough to hijack my taste buds, forcing me away from high quality Bourbon or Scotch. Wow. Thanks again for all of your truly great videos.
Anonymous - Nothing To See idk about that, really the whole big deal with this whiskey in particular is just a minority who just prefers something else, so I’ll just take that with a grain of salt.
I'm not a whiskey specialist, and to be honest I can't feel all the tastes of fruits or whatever. I just feel when the aroma is great and when if it tastes great and smoothness. But I've been to Yoichi Nikka Distillery. Great place with a lot more stuff you can try, than you can ever find on a shelves in your local stores.
I have been hesitant of trying Japanese whiskey maybe I am being a bit snobbish about it but after this review and hearing Horst's reaction when he took his first sip and then saying it is "werry vell done" I am in and ordering a bottle right now. Can't wait for it to arrive.
Its delicious. A very drinkable whiskey with nice notes that i have never ran across in any other whiskey. A must try for anyone not sure or on the fence. You will not regret it.
Haven't had a chance to check out the Whiskey but I have tried the Nikka Coffey Gin and it is incredible, it has become my all time favorite Gin and I have tried a lot of Gin's haha. Will check this one out as well when I have the chance!
The nose takes a little getting used to. Smells strong of alcohol but the flavor is smooth and amazing. I recommend a few drops of water and letting this sit for a good 15 mins or so in the glass before drinking.
Excellent review, thanks. I would like to know if its quiality is comparable with others Japaneses Single Malt destilled in Pot. I have a very good friend that tolds me that if I wanted to know where comes the fame of the japanesse whisky I have to taste a Single Malt, but never a Japanesse Blended whisky. Please tell me.
I don't think they outlawed it fully. From what I heard is that if you want to write Single Malt on your bottle you cannot use anything but malt and pot stills. The SWA did that to create a worldwide brand with their premium single malt whisky. This will have no effect on the blended malt or other blend whiskys
This is my favorite whiskey. I swear I can smell/taste banana. That's the "other fruit". Also, he's right about no taste of alcohol. It's so easy to drink. Elegant is def the right word for it. It's worth the $72 price tag. I keep a bottle on hand.
Off topic aside: Hello, Horst! I remember you from Malts-L, which I no longer follow (if it's still around...). In fact I quote you often enough for the humorous quote saying that "Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat." So thanks for that! Back on topic: Far fewer Japanese whiskies are available in the USA, because it's such a huge market and often Japanese production is small, but I have tasted a Nikka Coffey Still whisky at 12yo, I think,... I don't remember if it was labeled as a grain but I seem to remember that it was one. I'll have to check next time I'm in the shops. Of all the Japanese whiskies I've been able to taste I've always been very impressed. They seem to aim for balance and restraint; and they do an excellent job of it. Some years ago Scott's Selections bottled that rare beast, a Scotch grain whisky distilled in a column still from malted barley - or if you prefer, a single malt distilled in a column still. It was a '64 vintage, and dressed up in port casks. It was one of the best whiskies I've ever had - I got to taste it, but never was able to buy a bottle... and I'm sure they're all long gone now... Well, "The song has ended but the melody still remains..." as the old song said...
Whisky.com Yes, that was long ago. I was on a dial-up modem back then!... And the Nikka coffey still whisky I've seen is the Coffey Grain whisky, a very nice dram also, but I hope the Coffey Malt washes up on our shores... :) Cheers! (or slainte!)
"There is no hint of alcohol at all.", the whiskey taster said after swallowing whiskey. That is humorous. I must say, the only time that I drink alcohol is on Christmas or at a wedding or other such special occasion, and yet, I find your reviews to be greatly enjoyable, Mr. Luening.
Thanks for this review. I went to the local Liquor store looking for this product, since I had seen it on the associated web site, but at the store I found instead the product that did not seem as desirable to me, the product labeled "Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky." This was fairly expensive (about $70. here) for an 'unknown' grain whisky that I had not seen specifically recommended, but I decided to purchase and taste test this other Nikka product based upon the highly recommended Malt product that you review here.
I was absolutely "blown away" (sorry for the jargon) by this "Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky." I think it is fantastic (it is great).
My evaluation may seem excessive, but my first impression is this is my near favorite or favorite whisky which is to be held up next to and considered in the same excellent taste 'league' as my other favorite, The Glenlivet 18 year old.
The Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky has the complex flavor of a great scotch but with a subtle sweetness (like a seriously toned down version of a Bourbon which in this case has no 'glue' or acetone smell). While it seems very much like a high quality scotch, you notice the absence of an ever so slightly 'bitter' scotch malt taste (I'm referring to a taste we become accustomed to and we enjoy).
I noticed a very slight essence of a "blend" just the slightest amount of that "scotch blend" taste that I think comes from the non-malt contribution in a blend.
This whisky is such a favorite now, I'm concerned I might end up just buying repeat bottles of Nikka over time. This flavor combination is great enough to hijack my taste buds, forcing me away from high quality Bourbon or Scotch. Wow.
Thanks again for all of your truly great videos.
I cant wait to try it! Thanks for the review. It would be fun to tour the distillery in japan for sure.
I haven’t been able to find this bottle anywhere for the past 4 years. Europe , south east Asia , nowhere 😢
The very first whiskey i've had that doesn't have a bitter aftertaste and has a pleasant sweet aroma. Certainly worth the $60 tag.
Dat Guy Decent, but not worth the price
Anonymous - Nothing To See idk about that, really the whole big deal with this whiskey in particular is just a minority who just prefers something else, so I’ll just take that with a grain of salt.
I was given a bottle today, it is so smooth and good.
Trying the coffee grain version. They both sound delicious.
Very nice and enjoyable bottle. Unfortunately it is among the Nikka lineup of to be discontinued. Get one when you still can.
Nikka Coffey grain will be available?
How is that? 3 years after this comment, I can get it here in Czech Republic... ?
I'm not a whiskey specialist, and to be honest I can't feel all the tastes of fruits or whatever. I just feel when the aroma is great and when if it tastes great and smoothness. But I've been to Yoichi Nikka Distillery. Great place with a lot more stuff you can try, than you can ever find on a shelves in your local stores.
It's one of my favourite whisky's.
Very cool history lesson
I have been hesitant of trying Japanese whiskey maybe I am being a bit snobbish about it but after this review and hearing Horst's reaction when he took his first sip and then saying it is "werry vell done" I am in and ordering a bottle right now. Can't wait for it to arrive.
Why would you be snobbish ? They make some of the best whisky’s. In fact the Japanese do most things extremely well.
Its delicious. A very drinkable whiskey with nice notes that i have never ran across in any other whiskey. A must try for anyone not sure or on the fence. You will not regret it.
Haven't had a chance to check out the Whiskey but I have tried the Nikka Coffey Gin and it is incredible, it has become my all time favorite Gin and I have tried a lot of Gin's haha. Will check this one out as well when I have the chance!
The nose takes a little getting used to. Smells strong of alcohol but the flavor is smooth and amazing. I recommend a few drops of water and letting this sit for a good 15 mins or so in the glass before drinking.
买了nikka coffey Grain. 浓烈的小时候玩具泡泡胶的味道，喝起来很像美国波本风味。一查，这种coffey蒸馏器就是美国常用蒸馏器的前身，然后泡泡胶也确实添加了乙醇LOL。考虑到现在日威的性价比，不是太推荐，也不知道老爷子15年的时候这个啥价位。70刀好多单桶波本随便拿了。
Interesting
Just picked one up yesterday. It's sooooo good. Although, I like the Nikka from the barrel better
Nikka from the barrel is amazing. So hard to find though!
@@adityajagtiani8346damn , this I see everywhere but didn’t buy so far . Next time for sure
what's the malt mark?
I really enjoy Japanese whiskey and I’m a Peat head by preference 🥃
Excellent review, thanks. I would like to know if its quiality is comparable with others Japaneses Single Malt destilled in Pot. I have a very good friend that tolds me that if I wanted to know where comes the fame of the japanesse whisky I have to taste a Single Malt, but never a Japanesse Blended whisky. Please tell me.
Same person as the former player for Blue Jays/ Braves? Being from ATL, your name caught my eye.
Why did the Scots outlaw the use of the column still for malts? Taste issues? Sanitation? Insanity?
I don't think they outlawed it fully. From what I heard is that if you want to write Single Malt on your bottle you cannot use anything but malt and pot stills. The SWA did that to create a worldwide brand with their premium single malt whisky. This will have no effect on the blended malt or other blend whiskys
This is my favorite whiskey. I swear I can smell/taste banana. That's the "other fruit". Also, he's right about no taste of alcohol. It's so easy to drink. Elegant is def the right word for it. It's worth the $72 price tag. I keep a bottle on hand.
Same for me with the banana. I get all peaches and cream on the finish.
It's $70 at my local store, I'll get a bottle very soon.
Coffey grain is better. Less sugary sweet
@@andrewsdrmike Sounds like a matter of preference.
Please do Nikka coffey grain. It's so much better.
Excellent review.
Off topic aside:
Hello, Horst! I remember you from Malts-L, which I no longer follow (if it's still around...). In fact I quote you often enough for the humorous quote saying that "Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat." So thanks for that!
Back on topic:
Far fewer Japanese whiskies are available in the USA, because it's such a huge market and often Japanese production is small, but I have tasted a Nikka Coffey Still whisky at 12yo, I think,... I don't remember if it was labeled as a grain but I seem to remember that it was one. I'll have to check next time I'm in the shops. Of all the Japanese whiskies I've been able to taste I've always been very impressed. They seem to aim for balance and restraint; and they do an excellent job of it.
Some years ago Scott's Selections bottled that rare beast, a Scotch grain whisky distilled in a column still from malted barley - or if you prefer, a single malt distilled in a column still. It was a '64 vintage, and dressed up in port casks. It was one of the best whiskies I've ever had - I got to taste it, but never was able to buy a bottle... and I'm sure they're all long gone now... Well, "The song has ended but the melody still remains..." as the old song said...
Malts list is very long ago. I discontinued it after a while.
Whisky.com
Yes, that was long ago. I was on a dial-up modem back then!...
And the Nikka coffey still whisky I've seen is the Coffey Grain whisky, a very nice dram also, but I hope the Coffey Malt washes up on our shores... :)
Cheers! (or slainte!)
Hello Horst, I can't help but notice the watch you are wearing. What is that? It looks like a submariner!
maybe its tag heuer link or aquarcer
It is a Submariner
why are the mouth sounds so intense?
"There is no hint of alcohol at all.", the whiskey taster said after swallowing whiskey. That is humorous. I must say, the only time that I drink alcohol is on Christmas or at a wedding or other such special occasion, and yet, I find your reviews to be greatly enjoyable, Mr. Luening.
How would you describe the loyalty of consumers nikka ?
Vidal Diafragma Describe them as "Vivid".
Nosing @ 6:37
Not sure why they didn't use a cork at this price point.
The Poles love the Japanese whiskey