Had a bottle of the Coffey Malt four years ago and enjoyed it. Very sweet but the rich mouth feel and variety of flavors ballenced it out. A very unique character. Two years ago got a independent bottling Loch Lomond 22yr 100% malt single grain aged in a quiet refill bourbon hogshead. The flavor profile was very similar to the Nikka but without the sweet and more refined with 22 years of age. There master blender has said that Loch Lomond Whisky distilled in one of their types of column stills (the one they use for 100% malt) does end up in Japan but doesn't name the company getting it. Another exelennt video, thanks.
Excellent review and great content! Very informative channel and high-quality production. Keep up the good work! Greetings from the Whiskybase, -Slàinte Mhath / Whiskybase Community Manager & Admin
I actually quite liked the Coffey grain. It was the first bottle of whisky that I ever bought a second bottle. I haven't had the chance to try the Coffey malt because it's quite difficult to find locally, but I'll definitely scoop one up if I see it
That's the wonderful beauty of what we love - there's a whisky for everyone! Let me know if you grab a Coffey Malt - I'd be interested to know which you prefer.
I've just discovered this channel. I'm working on my second-ever bottle of Japanese whisky (a Hibiki which I absolutely love - bottle one was Toki which I didn't really like) - excited to go down the rabbit hole.
Great to have you here Var. Have you checked out the video on the first Hibiki? th-cam.com/video/YGRoj0SXftU/w-d-xo.html Please subscribe for more, and share these videos with all your drinks-loving friends!
@@KanpaiPlanet I just watched it. Fascinating! There's a wide range of Japanese whisky at my local store, not quite sure what to get next. Worth stretching the budget for the Yamazaki?
The grocery store Kroger in the U.S they sell the malt and grain at the same price I got both my bottles for $65. Getting a second bottle of malt soon.
Actual European who was once drinking coffey malt: remember liking it quite a lot. Never tried the grain. Again a top notch video Mac: excellent notes, great h2h and great insights. 👌
I recommend you actual europeans grab another bottle of one of the few Japanese whiskies you can buy at a half-decent price... at least the price you can get it here! Thanks always Menno!
I had tried the Coffey grain when passing through an airport a (long) while back, and it put me off trying the Coffey Malt. Seems like I'll have to revisit that decision!
I hear you. It feels like they should be more similar in quality/profile. It's probably one reason why I keep buying them as a pair even though I clearly prefer one over the other!
Never had the grain, but had a bottle of the malt two years ago. Got to know it through a Horst Luening review. In the beginning I found it a bit weird, because it was too sweet and rounded. Took sometime to get used to it, feeling like I was drinking a liquid candy. From the middle of the bottle to the end, I really started to enjoy it. It is indeed a different whisky. I would buy it again to check my reaction, since I’m now more experienced.
Hi Antonio. What you've described is something I've heard from a few people - that Coffey Malt takes a little getting used to, but once you do it quickly becomes a favourite. Good luck finding another bottle - let me know your thoughts when you do. Please consider supporting Kanpai Planet at buymeacoff.ee/kanpaiplanet Kanpai!
I wonder if the coffey grain has a lot of variation. My current bottle doesn't taste anything like what you've described in terms of the "peppery" notes you described. Mine definitely leans sweeter with more caramel notes. Both are great, though.
I have noticed batch variation in the Coffey Grain and more recent batches do tend to be flat-out sweeter. Thanks for watching and for your insightful comment. Kanpai! 🥃🥃🥃
Thank you for this review. I have the Coffey grain and I like it. I'm a bourbon drinker, so I think you called that one accurately. I have been curious about the Coffey malt, and your review has helped me decide to track down a bottle.
Great video! I'm a big scotch single malt fan and tried the Nikka Coffey Malt last night and was throughly impressed and would buy a bottle. Based on what you were saying I think I should be also looking out for Ben Nevis too 😉
It really depends on the particular stills you are comparing. A Coffey still is a type of column still so all Coffey stills are column stills but not all column stills are Coffey stills. The Patent still would be another design of column still. The individual design of each column still tends to lead to differences in the performance for how much it removes from the spirit. Because of the size and scale of column stills they tend to be designed specifically for each distillery ie height, number of plates, construction material, run rate, base raw material etc. A big factor is the strength at which the still will be designed to take spirit off at ie the higher the strength of spirit take off the more the still will take out and the purer the spirit will be. In whisky grain spirit will typically be taken from the still at 94% approx where neutral spirit for vodka will be taken from the still at 96% I would say that if two stills are running on the same feed stock then the design of still has a big impact on the character of the spirit in particular the strength at which the spirit is taken from the still. Hope that helps!
Can I interest you in a review of Kayio whisky? Also interested if they are really bottling Japanese whisky or imported scotch then finish them in Mizunara oak as they declare on their bottle. Many thanks! 🙏🏼 Kampai!
Thanks for another great review Mac. The overt sweetness described by you and other reviewers has so far kept me away but as I try to build up my Japanese side of my collection I will have to have them. First world problems sigh.........
Indeed Bill. Sweetness seems to be a dirty word sometimes when it comes to adult beverages - just think of sweet white wine and how that is thought of as inferior to dry. But, absolutely, each to their own. Let me know your thoughts when you do get round to buying it!
I wholeheartedly agree (though I do know some people who prefer the Grain - poor, misguided souls!) and I'm glad we can get it here without overpaying as much as for some other Nikka products.
I feel Coffey Malt vs Coffey Grain has blockbuster potential. Hopefully no one from Hollywood reads this comment and steals our idea! Thanks for watching and commenting!
A (foolish?) question: Since the Miyagikyo Distillery is at Aoba (West of Sendai) probably uses the water from the Nikkawa River, about 130km as the crow-flies from Fukushima nuclear disaster site, would there be issues of nuclear material/s contamination? A cause for caution?
Great video, Mac & I'm with you with the Coffey Malt preference & use...My guess is that, as they used some Ben Nevis in it, like for the Super Nikka (i enjoy as well, though I know it is different, malt & grain) & so older content than for the Coffey Grain...just a guess based on tastings. Besides, I had the chance to try (but alas not buy) for years & before that d.... shortage the cask strength versions limited editions made for La Maison du Whisky here & almost all were stunning, a different world really than those, or should I say different level...Kanpaï !
Interesting theory on the age - there may well be truth in that. That acetone note I associate with youth is certainly less pronounced in the Coffey Malt. As for those Single Casks, they really were something else. We should be thankful we got to try them my friend! Kanpai!
Kinnikuman 2001 Single Cask 17 Year Old. Distilled in August 2001 and aged in a single sherry butt (#39) for 17 years, bottled by Whisky Mew to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Kinnikuman. One of 647 bottles. KANPAI PLANET BONUS INFO: It’s blended malt from Edrington distilleries.
Best Japanese whisky channel on TH-cam. Thank you for the information, opinion, and perspective.
Derek... your comment made my day. Thank you, and Kanpai!
Glad I stumbled across this channel! Great production and valuable information for me to make an formed decision
Welcome aboard! Great to have you here, and Kanpai!
Had a bottle of the Coffey Malt four years ago and enjoyed it. Very sweet but the rich mouth feel and variety of flavors ballenced it out. A very unique character. Two years ago got a independent bottling Loch Lomond 22yr 100% malt single grain aged in a quiet refill bourbon hogshead. The flavor profile was very similar to the Nikka but without the sweet and more refined with 22 years of age. There master blender has said that Loch Lomond Whisky distilled in one of their types of column stills (the one they use for 100% malt) does end up in Japan but doesn't name the company getting it. Another exelennt video, thanks.
Ohhh! That is a tasty morsel of information! I wonder if it goes to Nikka for use in Nikka from the Barrel? Thanks for sharing that!
Excellent review and great content! Very informative channel and high-quality production. Keep up the good work!
Greetings from the Whiskybase,
-Slàinte Mhath / Whiskybase Community Manager & Admin
What an honour! Thank you Whiskybase. Love your site and what you do. Just followed you guys on Instagram, so feel free to follow back. Kanpai!
Excellent review!! Thank you
Thank you Johann! Glad you enjoyed it!
I've bought a few bottles of the Coffey Grain and I loved it. After watching this I feel like I have to get a bottle of the Malt as well!
I think you will too Andris. Hope you grab one. Let me know what you think. Kanpai!
@@KanpaiPlanet I just tried the malt and I absolutely love it! The flavor is great and it goes down so smoothly 🙂
Fantastic! Glad to hear you enjoyed! Kanpai!
“Coffee and Creme Brûlée “-love it.
Creme Brulee forever!
I actually quite liked the Coffey grain. It was the first bottle of whisky that I ever bought a second bottle. I haven't had the chance to try the Coffey malt because it's quite difficult to find locally, but I'll definitely scoop one up if I see it
That's the wonderful beauty of what we love - there's a whisky for everyone! Let me know if you grab a Coffey Malt - I'd be interested to know which you prefer.
First comment and like : ) Nikka coffey malt whiski is super )))
Thanks for watching so early, and getting in there quickly with your like and comment. I appreciate it!
@@KanpaiPlanet you are welcom : )
Nice comparison. I haven't tried the Coffey malt yet, but I guess I should really get on that...
Thank you! Looking forward to yout thoughts on it!
I've just discovered this channel. I'm working on my second-ever bottle of Japanese whisky (a Hibiki which I absolutely love - bottle one was Toki which I didn't really like) - excited to go down the rabbit hole.
Great to have you here Var. Have you checked out the video on the first Hibiki? th-cam.com/video/YGRoj0SXftU/w-d-xo.html
Please subscribe for more, and share these videos with all your drinks-loving friends!
@@KanpaiPlanet I just watched it. Fascinating! There's a wide range of Japanese whisky at my local store, not quite sure what to get next. Worth stretching the budget for the Yamazaki?
That depends on how much it costs, and which Yamazaki it is!
Nice review. Cheers
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
Love the malt! Breakfast whisky
Breakfast. Dessert. It's all good!
Coffey malt makes a great old fashioned with barrel aged maple syrup 😎🥃
Lovely! That would make Nikka very happy, as they want to see these whiskies used in cocktails! Thanks for watching and commenting!
In the U.S it is some what easy to get coffey Grain at 65 dollars. Coffet malt is hard to find and is usually 80+.
I have noticed that in many markets the Malt is priced higher than the Grain. Demand-driven opportunism? Thanks for watching and commenting!
The grocery store Kroger in the U.S they sell the malt and grain at the same price I got both my bottles for $65. Getting a second bottle of malt soon.
That is a good price! Enjoy, and Kanpai!
Solid video as always buddy. Always been impressed by Nikka but not tried either of them. Cheers
Thanks Jeff! Check them out if you can - ideally via a sample, then scale up depending on which you like best. Kanpai!
Really like the channel Mac. I'm a complete stan for Japanese whiskey and love hearing the context and history behind the whiskeys featured.
Thanks Matt - those words mean a lot. Please help me by sharing these videos with your fello Japanese whisky stans! Kanpai!
Actual European who was once drinking coffey malt: remember liking it quite a lot. Never tried the grain. Again a top notch video Mac: excellent notes, great h2h and great insights. 👌
I recommend you actual europeans grab another bottle of one of the few Japanese whiskies you can buy at a half-decent price... at least the price you can get it here! Thanks always Menno!
I had tried the Coffey grain when passing through an airport a (long) while back, and it put me off trying the Coffey Malt. Seems like I'll have to revisit that decision!
I hear you. It feels like they should be more similar in quality/profile. It's probably one reason why I keep buying them as a pair even though I clearly prefer one over the other!
Never had the grain, but had a bottle of the malt two years ago. Got to know it through a Horst Luening review. In the beginning I found it a bit weird, because it was too sweet and rounded. Took sometime to get used to it, feeling like I was drinking a liquid candy. From the middle of the bottle to the end, I really started to enjoy it. It is indeed a different whisky. I would buy it again to check my reaction, since I’m now more experienced.
Hi Antonio. What you've described is something I've heard from a few people - that Coffey Malt takes a little getting used to, but once you do it quickly becomes a favourite. Good luck finding another bottle - let me know your thoughts when you do.
Please consider supporting Kanpai Planet at buymeacoff.ee/kanpaiplanet
Kanpai!
I wonder if the coffey grain has a lot of variation. My current bottle doesn't taste anything like what you've described in terms of the "peppery" notes you described. Mine definitely leans sweeter with more caramel notes. Both are great, though.
I have noticed batch variation in the Coffey Grain and more recent batches do tend to be flat-out sweeter. Thanks for watching and for your insightful comment. Kanpai! 🥃🥃🥃
Thank you for this review. I have the Coffey grain and I like it. I'm a bourbon drinker, so I think you called that one accurately. I have been curious about the Coffey malt, and your review has helped me decide to track down a bottle.
Good stuff! Glad to be a part of your whisky journey. Kanpai!
Great video! I'm a big scotch single malt fan and tried the Nikka Coffey Malt last night and was throughly impressed and would buy a bottle. Based on what you were saying I think I should be also looking out for Ben Nevis too 😉
Indeed! Ben Nevis for the win!
Glad you enjoyed the video and enjoyed the Coffey Malt. It's a solid dram for sure!
But does coffey still still strip out everything just as much as column?
It really depends on the particular stills you are comparing. A Coffey still is a type of column still so all Coffey stills are column stills but not all column stills are Coffey stills. The Patent still would be another design of column still.
The individual design of each column still tends to lead to differences in the performance for how much it removes from the spirit. Because of the size and scale of column stills they tend to be designed specifically for each distillery ie height, number of plates, construction material, run rate, base raw material etc.
A big factor is the strength at which the still will be designed to take spirit off at ie the higher the strength of spirit take off the more the still will take out and the purer the spirit will be. In whisky grain spirit will typically be taken from the still at 94% approx where neutral spirit for vodka will be taken from the still at 96%
I would say that if two stills are running on the same feed stock then the design of still has a big impact on the character of the spirit in particular the strength at which the spirit is taken from the still.
Hope that helps!
I'm here for the history lesson! Thanks.
You are very welcome! Please consider supporting Kanpai Planet at buymeacoffee.com/kanpaiplanet. Kanpai! 🥃🥃🥃
Can I interest you in a review of Kayio whisky? Also interested if they are really bottling Japanese whisky or imported scotch then finish them in Mizunara oak as they declare on their bottle. Many thanks! 🙏🏼 Kampai!
I've had a few comments asking me to look into Kaiyo. I'll add it to the pipeline!
Thanks for another great review Mac. The overt sweetness described by you and other reviewers has so far kept me away but as I try to build up my Japanese side of my collection I will have to have them. First world problems sigh.........
Indeed Bill. Sweetness seems to be a dirty word sometimes when it comes to adult beverages - just think of sweet white wine and how that is thought of as inferior to dry. But, absolutely, each to their own. Let me know your thoughts when you do get round to buying it!
I wholeheartedly agree (though I do know some people who prefer the Grain - poor, misguided souls!) and I'm glad we can get it here without overpaying as much as for some other Nikka products.
I feel Coffey Malt vs Coffey Grain has blockbuster potential. Hopefully no one from Hollywood reads this comment and steals our idea! Thanks for watching and commenting!
A (foolish?) question: Since the Miyagikyo Distillery is at Aoba (West of Sendai) probably uses the water from the Nikkawa River, about 130km as the crow-flies from Fukushima nuclear disaster site, would there be issues of nuclear material/s contamination? A cause for caution?
A question for the distillery if it's of concern to you. My experience is that there is strict testing of food and water if it's considered an issue.
Mac, if the Coffey Malt has some Ben Nevis distillate in this, wouldn't that make this a blend? Unless Ben Nevis also has column stills.
they don't describe it as a single malt, but a malt whisky
Thanks Mayo. Nikka actually classify it as a grain whisky because it is run through the Coffey Still. This is in line with Scotch regulations.
Great video, Mac & I'm with you with the Coffey Malt preference & use...My guess is that, as they used some Ben Nevis in it, like for the Super Nikka (i enjoy as well, though I know it is different, malt & grain) & so older content than for the Coffey Grain...just a guess based on tastings. Besides, I had the chance to try (but alas not buy) for years & before that d.... shortage the cask strength versions limited editions made for La Maison du Whisky here & almost all were stunning, a different world really than those, or should I say different level...Kanpaï !
Interesting theory on the age - there may well be truth in that. That acetone note I associate with youth is certainly less pronounced in the Coffey Malt.
As for those Single Casks, they really were something else. We should be thankful we got to try them my friend! Kanpai!
Coffee and whiskey. The perfect pair
Together at last!
Coffee grain was a fine high ball whiskey but going straight felt it lacked
Agreed! It also works to bulk up an infiinity bottle... Thanks for watching and commenting!
Gonna need the full story on that bottle of Kinnikuman behind you my guy.
Kinnikuman 2001 Single Cask 17 Year Old. Distilled in August 2001 and aged in a single sherry butt (#39) for 17 years, bottled by Whisky Mew to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Kinnikuman. One of 647 bottles.
KANPAI PLANET BONUS INFO: It’s blended malt from Edrington distilleries.
@@KanpaiPlanet that's incredible, thanks so much!
Kanpai!
Ohh! Quite a decapitation of the Coffey Grain Mac. Well at least you like it more than the Ichiro's Malt & Grain 😀
I did go a bit Henry VIII on it! 🤓
The Malt is a slammed dunk
It is a solid dram for sure! 🥃🥃🥃
Always loved the Coffey Grain, makes wonderful cocktails, but it now cost $75 US dollars where I live and I just cant justify it anymore.
Coffey Grain is a solid cocktail ingredient for sure! 🥃🥃🥃