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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With more than 80 years of mastery in blending, Nikka created Nikka Days (40% ABV), as a whisky for everyday drinking occasions. Imported by Hotaling & Co., Nikka Days features bright and modern packaging to reflect the floral and smooth whisky within.

Both the flavors and appearance of Nikka Days were designed to highlight the bright side of whisky and whisky consumption. The blend is structured by the mellow and smooth Coffey Grain Whisky and aromatic non-peated Miyagikyo malts, along with a touch of Coffey Malt Whisky and Yoichi malts to enhance the bright sweetness and rich body.

“As the name suggests, Nikka Days has been developed for whisky lovers who appreciate fine drinks on any casual day,” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky international business development manager. “This elegant whisky can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, in a simple highball or refreshing cocktail. We hope that Nikka Days will complement and elevate your day.”

“With a unique and modern design, Nikka Days is an exciting addition to Hotaling & Co.’s extensive portfolio of curated whiskies and artisanal spirits,” says Hotaling & Co. CEO and President Dan Leese. “Nikka Days comes after the release of Nikka From The Barrel, named the 2018 Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate, both showcasing the blender’s skills at their peak.”

Nikka Days will retail for $49.99 and is available in California, New York, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida and Tennessee. Distribution will expand to more markets in 2021.

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Miyagikyo Distillery founder Masataka Taketsuru, who is considered the Father of Japanese Whisky, tasted the first drop made in 1969 and pleased with its unique flavor profile. Miyagikyo, located near Sendai in Japan’s Miyagi prefecture, was the realization of Taketsuru’s second distillery – one that would be distinctive from his first, Yoichi, in Hokkaido.

While the Yoichi is located near the sea, producing peaty whiskies, Miyagikyo is surrounded by mountains and sandwiched between two fresh water rivers, providing excellent humidity and air quality conditions for soft and mild malt; it is also home to two Coffey stills. To reflect the distinctive environments of the two distilleries, each limited edition features a nod to its home – the background design of Yoichi denotes the sea, while the Miyagikyo expression is a nod to mountains.

Housed in frosted-black bottles, Single Malt Miyagikyo Limited Edition 2019 and Single Malt Yoichi Limited Edition 2019 each retail for $3,500 in the U.S. Only 70 bottles of each will available stateside. 

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Nikka Japanese Whisky recently announced the release of Nikka From The Barrel in the U.S. Earlier this month, the latest expression of Nikka’s skillful blending hit the shores and shelves of American retailers.

Nikka From The Barrel was created from a blend of more than 100 different batches of malt and grain whisky produced at Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. It’s aged in multiple types of ex-Bourbon barrels and puncheons, ex-sherry butts, refilled, recharred and remade hogsheads.

“Nikka From The Barrel is the best-selling expression outside of Japan,” says Hotaling & Co. president and CEO, Dennis Carr. “We are thrilled to bring this beloved whisky to the U.S. and look forward to seeing the cocktail creativity it inspires in bartenders across the country.”

Considered the founding father of Japanese whisky, Masataka Taketsuru opened his first distillery, Yoichi, in 1934. It’s located where the environs resembled Scotland’s coastal distilleries and direct coal distillation with small pot stills in homage to Scotland’s whisky production traditions Taketsuru studied. Nikka’s second distillery, Miyagikyo, opened in 1969. It is located in a river valley, thereby emulating the distilleries found in Scotland’s Speyside region. It employs indirect steam distillation and larger copper pot stills.

The iconic bottle, designed to reflect “a small block of whisky” is available nationwide for $65.

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