To mark the occasion, the brand has just released Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage, a new limited-edition expression that builds on the legacy of the globally beloved Nikka From The Barrel in a 500ml size as originally introduced in 1985.

The creation of Nikka From The Barrel originated with Takeshi Taketsuru, nephew and adopted-son of Nikka Whisky’s founder Masataka Taketsuru, who wanted to recreate the richness of whisky that only blenders can nose and taste as they are directly “from barrels.” Master Blender Shigeo Sato and the Nikka blending team met the challenge with the creation of Nikka From The Barrel 40 years ago. Sato and team discovered that resting the blend for three months (known as the “marriage” process) resulted in a soft mouthfeel and exquisite mellowness. In addition, a higher 102.8 proof was identified as the ideal level to enhance the natural richness, as if the whisky is bottled directly from the barrel.

The “marriage” process is conducted at Nikka Whisky’s Tochigi Aging Cellar. After blending all the whisky batches according to the blenders’ recipe, the liquid is filled into used puncheon casks and matured for another three months. In the case of Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage, the marriage maturation is extended an additional three months.

“Nikka From The Barrel is a timeless whisky that has been embraced globally as an icon that represents Nikka’s masterful blending artistry,” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky Global Business Strategy Education & PR Leader. “With Extra Marriage, we seek to commemorate this acclaimed expression by revealing what more maturation, more marriage of the complex blend, can achieve.”

Like the original Nikka From The Barrel, Extra Marriage is presented in the distinctive cubic bottle that has cemented the expression’s iconic status. Designed by Taku Sato, one of Japan’s most renowned graphic designers, the shape reflects a “small block of whisky,” per Takeshi Taketsuru’s vision for the creation.

6,900 bottles of Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage will be available in select markets for $69.99.

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The expression highlights the characteristics of the Yoichi Distillery, Nikka Whisky’s first distillery built in 1934 on the coast of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. The proximity to the sea is one of the most distinctive features of Yoichi, providing cold climate, crisp clean air and a briny hint to the whisky during maturation. Crafted using traditional methods that Nikka Whisky Founder Masataka Taketsuru learned in Scotland, such as direct coal-fired distillation, this 90 proof Yoichi age statement captures the authentic character of its historical location.

The release also commemorates 10 buildings located within the Yoichi Distillery site that received special designation as Japan’s “Important Cultural Properties” in February 2022, a historical nod to Nikka’s contribution to Japanese whisky.

“We are honored for the Yoichi Distillery to receive this designation from Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs,” said Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky Global Marketing and Sales General Manager. “This designation helps ensure we will pass on the history of Japanese whisky to future generations. To celebrate this special honor, we welcomed the return of Nikka Whisky aged statements and released the Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old, a new expression created by the current blenders.”

“A momentous moment for Nikka Whisky, we are so excited to bring the release of Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old to the U.S.,” added Hotaling & Co. CEO and President Dan Leese. “As Nikka Whisky looks to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2024, this release is a testament to their historical significance in the world of whisky and a preview of what’s to come as they continue to build and enrich their traditional range.”

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old is available now and will be released annually in limited quantities for $175.

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