GSN Review: Single Malt Yoichi Aromatic Yeast & Single Malt Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast

This fall, Nikka Whisky debuted the 2022 releases from its “Nikka Discovery” series in the U.S.: Single Malt Yoichi Aromatic Yeast and Single Malt Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast. This duo is the second release to come from the “Nikka Discovery” series, each year highlighting a different component of the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced since 1934 and offering an inside look at the various experiments within Nikka’s two distilleries in Japan, Yoichi and Miyagikyo. 2023 will reveal the third and final release of “Nikka Discovery” in anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th Anniversary in 2024.  

For 2022, the “Nikka Discovery” series focuses on the variety of yeast within Nikka’s two distilleries and the unique aromas that are generated through fermentation. This pair of limited bottlings uses rare, experimental batches from Nikka’s vast “culture collection.” Single Malt Yoichi Aromatic Yeast (48% ABV) is reminiscent of ginjyo sake, expressing floral and fruity notes that have only improved after several years of maturation. Similarly, Single Malt Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast (47% ABV) offers the fruity aroma of stone fruit such as peach and apricot, which enhances Miyagikyo’s traditional elegant and fruity style.     

“We are delighted to release the second pairing from our ‘Nikka Discovery’ series,” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky International Business Development Manager. “The 2022 ‘Nikka Discovery’ expressions are the result of our vast reserve of yeast cultures and accumulated knowledge to use them, along with masterful blending. Our blenders took great care to enhance only good aromas and integrate them with the original style of each distillery.”  

The Single Malt Yoichi Aromatic Yeast and Single Malt Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast releases are non-chill filtered and each bottled at different ABVs to best enhance their unique characteristics. Each retailing at an SRP of $274.99, only 2,640 bottles of both expressions are available in the U.S. at select retailers as well as online at ReserveBar.com.  

Single Malt Yoichi Aromatic Yeast – GSN’s Remarks: A soft and meek nose, with elements of banana, apple, and melon topped with a patina of burnt peat smoke. The opening tasting reveals sweetness of demerara sugar, fresh pear, and fennel gently touched with black pepper. The finish ends on a floral note with some sake-like yeastiness. In summary, a light, delicate and not too smoke forward whiskey that is quite delicate. An interesting and entirely characteristic blend for NIKKA. GSN Rating: A-

Single Malt Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast – GSN’s Remarks: The nose is even more fruit forward than the Yoichi expression. Think stone fruit, almond, strawberry, and mincemeat pie. The peat here is used to balance the effect and give the overall spirit a darker penumbra. The flavor follows through with these characteristics, adding a peppery, woody and peaty fruit compote finish. This whisky is less subtle than the Yoichi, but nearly as elegant. The addition to the blend of heavier peated whisky adds a more toothsome approach. GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Nikka

#Nikka #NikkaAromaticYeast

GSN Review: Single Malt Miyagikyo Peated & Single Malt Yoichi Non-Peated Whiskies

Recently, Nikka Whisky introduced its first set of releases from the “Nikka Discovery” series in the U.S.: Single Malt Yoichi Non-Peated and Single Malt Miyagikyo Peated. The “Nikka Discovery” series will develop distinctive limited editions over the next three years in anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th Anniversary in 2024. Each year will focus on a different component of the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced since 1934, offering an inside look at the various experiments within Nikka’s two distilleries.

Designed to overturn the preconceived images of each single malt, these rare versions of Yoichi and Miyagikyo single malts are the first look showcase of “Nikka Discovery” and highlight the distillery’s diverse ingredients. Single Malt Yoichi Non-Peated (47% ABV) is comprised solely of unpeated malts as opposed to the preconceived “peaty” image of Yoichi. On the contrary, Single Malt Miyagikyo Peated (48% ABV) is crafted solely from batches of peated malts, which offers a significant distinction from the “light and fruity” image of Miyagikyo. 

“We are so pleased to introduce these unique expressions from our emblematic Yoichi and Miyagikyo single malts.” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky International Business Development Manager. “It is an exciting process, like treasure hunting, to try various whisky batches from our vast reserve guided by Nikka blenders, and to create products that embody the “Discovery” concept.” 

Both expressions are non-chill filtered and bottled at different ABVs to best enhance their unique characteristics. Limited to 20,000 bottles each worldwide.

Single Malt Yoichi Non-Peated – GSN’s Remarks: A beautfully evocative nose of oak, malt and plum. This carries through on the palate, which has a very fruit forward character. Sometimes black cherry, strawberry, green apple or plum notes shine in the spirit. The finish is quite long with a luscious finality. A masterful blend. GSN Rating: A+

Single Malt Miyagikyo Peated – GSN’s Remarks: The peat is light, elegant and mixes well with the warm, malty nose. The flavor also has a light touch of peat which accentuates the bakery character of the spirit. Quite traditional in character, and in the mould of Japanese whiskies, this one nonetheless has it’s own unique flavors at the finish. Some ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and a touch of clove add depth and a dry, bright end. GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Nikka

#NikkaWhisky #SingleMaltMiyagikyoPeated #SingleMaltYoichiNon-Peated

GSN Spirited News: September 15th 2020 Edition

Evanston, Illinois-based Few Spirits has launched Immortal rye, a new whiskey proofed down to bottling strength with tea. The 46.5% abv whiskey is made by blending cask strength Few rye with 8 Immortals tea from Denver’s the Tea Spot. The whiskey does not contain added sugar or other additives. The whiskey’s label art showcases a dragon print that was shown at the 1893 World’s Fair. The initial release is limited—only 6,000 bottles—and is rolling out now across the U.S. for around $45 a 750-ml.

Japanese whisky maker Nikka is releasing a pair of new whiskies finished in apple brandy barrels in an homage to the company’s origins producing apple juice and other apple products before launching the first Nikka whisky in 1940. The first release is Yoichi Single Malt Whisky Finished in Apple Brandy Barrels, produced at Nikka’s founding distillery on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. The second is Miyagikyo Single Malt Whisky Finished in Apple Brandy Barrels, produced in Sendai, Japan. Both are at 40% abv and retail for $250 a 750-ml. Imported by San Francisco-based Hotaling & Co., they will be distributed in California, New York, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida, Colorado, Washington, and Tennessee.

Benriach single malt Scotch whisky, part of the Brown-Forman portfolio, has revamped its core lineup and unveiled two new expressions. The newcomers include Smoky Ten and Smoky Twelve whiskies, retailing at $60 and $65 a 750-ml., respectively. Those offerings join the Original Ten ($54) and Original Twelve ($60) in the range, which has been repackaged and will be hitting the market in its new incarnation next month. Benriach will follow with Twenty-One, Twenty-Five, and Thirty-Year-Old single malts in the U.S. next year.

Heaven Hill has announced the 2020 iteration of Parker’s Heritage. This year’s whiskey is a 10-year-old Bourbon matured in heavily charred barrels. The spirit was distilled from a mash of 72% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye, and aged in level 5 char barrels, as opposed to Heaven Hill’s typical level 3 char barrels. The whiskey is bottled at 60% abv and is rolling out now in limited quantities across the U.S. for around $120 a 750-ml. A portion of the proceeds from each bottle goes to fund research and patient care for those diagnosed with ALS.

Tequila Partida has debuted Roble Fino, a line of luxury sipping Tequilas. The new range includes a Reposado ($100 a 750-ml.), aged for a minimum of 6 months in ex-Bourbon barrels and then aged for two more months in ex-single malt, Sherry-seasoned casks; a Reposado Cristalino ($115), finished in ex-single malt, Sherry-seasoned casks; and an Añejo ($125), aged for 18 months in ex-Bourbon barrels, then finished for five more months in ex-single malt, Sherry-seasoned casks. All three Tequilas are now rolling out in New York, California, Florida, Illinois, and Texas, with additional markets to follow.

Beam Suntory has launched this year’s version of Basil Hayden’s 10-Year-Old Bourbon. The 40% abv whiskey is made from the company’s high-rye mashbill. It serves as the higher-end limited release for the brand and sits alongside the flagship Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye, and other limited releases like 10-year-old rye, and Caribbean Reserve Rye. Basil Hayden’s 10-year-old is now available across the U.S. for around $70 a 750-ml.

Diageo has released Captain Morgan Sliced Apple, the latest flavored offshoot for the spiced rum brand. The 35% abv rum is made from the original spiced rum with added ginger and apple flavoring. Captain Morgan Sliced Apple is now available across the U.S. for around $16 a 750-ml.

San Francisco, California-based Gold Bar Spirits Co. has launched Rickhouse Cask Strength Straight Bourbon. The whiskey is distilled from a mash of 80% corn and 20% rye and is bottled at 51.5% abv. With this new release, Gold Bar continues its partnership with the San Francisco 49ers, with Rickhouse named the official whiskey of the team’s Faithful to the Bay campaign. Rickhouse is now available in major retailers across the U.S. and on the company’s website for around $35 a 750-ml.

Minnetonka, Minnesota’s Dashfire has announced a new line of hard coffees, set to launch throughout the state at the end of the month. The 14% abv RTDs will come in three flavors—Rum Café Mocha, Rum Golden Latte, and Bourbon Cold Brew—and all will be available in individual 200-ml. cans. Southern Glazer’s will distribute Dashfire’s hard coffees in Minnesota and the company is planning for a wider release through Vision Wine & Spirits in the future.

Moët Hennessy-owned Belvedere has long looked to differentiate itself by bringing the concept of terroir to the vodka category. Now the brand is introducing its new Heritage 176 expression and a “Made With Nature” platform, highlighting its Polish origins and craftsmanship. Heritage 176 is rolling out across 20 U.S. markets, retailing at $35 a 750-ml. The new offering nods to the 19th century practice of malting rye by kiln-heating—which Belvedere says unlocks distinctive flavors in the resulting liquid—with its distillers applying fire to malt the rye before distillation. It’s intended to be served over ice with a lemon twist.

William Grant & Sons’ Hudson Whiskey has rebranded with more mature offerings and a new, more accessible price point. The distillery’s Baby Bourbon is now Bright Lights, Big Bourbon, a 46% abv whiskey retailing at $40 a 750-ml. Manhattan Rye has relaunched as Do the Rye Thing, also bottled at 46% abv and retailing for $40. The company’s Maple Cask Rye, a whiskey finished in maple syrup barrels, has rebranded as Short Stack and will retail at around $55. The company also has launched Back Room Deal, a new rye whiskey finished in barrels used to age peated Scotch, which will retail at around $55 a 750-ml.

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Spirited News: July 14th 2020 Edition

Sweden-based Purity Distillery is launching Purity Spritz, a flavored spirit intended for use in Spritz cocktails. Purity Spritz uses the distillery’s Signature 34 Edition Organic Vodka as its base and augments it with natural flavors of bergamot, grapefruit, and orange. Consumers may combine it with their choice of sparkling wine to make a full Spritz cocktail. Signature 34 takes its name from distilling the heart of the vodka 34 times during production. Now in distribution, Purity Spritz is at 30% abv and retails for $25 a 750-ml.

Nikka, the Hotaling & Co.-imported Japanese whisky brand, has launched its most accessible whisky yet in the U.S. Nikka Days is a new 40% abv blend made from Coffey Grain Whisky, non-peated Miyagikyo malts, plus smaller amounts of Coffey Malt Whisky and Yoichi malts. Nikka Days is rolling out now in California, New York, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida, and Tennessee for a suggested price of $50 a 750-ml.

Wild Turkey has launched Rare Breed Rye, the newest barrel proof whiskey to join the company’s permanent portfolio. The whiskey is a blend of 4-, 6-, and 8-year old non-chill-filtered rye whiskies and the first bottling comes in at 56.1% abv. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye is rolling out to select retailers across the U.S. at around $60 a 750-ml.

Spokane, Washington’s Dry Fly Distilling has released Huckleberry Lemonade, the newest canned cocktail from the craft distillery. The 5.4% abv cocktail is made with Dry Fly’s vodka, sugar, carbonated lemonade, and huckleberry syrup. Dry Fly Huckleberry Lemonade is now available in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans for around $13 throughout the Northwest. It joins Moscow Mule, Spicy Lemonade, and Gin and Tonic in Dry Fly’s portfolio of canned cocktails. Dry Fly’s spirits are all made using grains sourced from family-owned farms within 30 miles of the distillery.

Courtesy of Shanken News Daily

GSN Review: Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky

Nikka can lay claim to being the first Japanese whiskey distillery.  Founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, the Yoichi distillery produced some of the world’s finest spirits.  With this initial success, the company now has four separate distilleries in Japan and another in Scotland, along with several bottling and aging facilities.

Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky is made at the Miyagikyo plant in Sendai, using a still imported from Scotland in 1963.  The base grain is corn, which adds a bourbon-like sensibility the flavor profile.  If you were thinking that it is flavored with coffee beans, you’d be wrong.  The Coffey in the name refers to the type of column still created by Irishman Aeneas Coffey, who ironically could not get the Irish to embrace his revolutionary product back in 1830.  So, he took his invention elsewhere and now it is employed in virtually every distillery in the world (including pot still holdout Ireland).

Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky (90 proof)
Visual: Pale yellow gold.
Nose: Warm, elegant, and slightly fruity.
Taste: Quite smooth and restrained, yet delivers a rich and perfectly aged flavor.  Notes of vanilla, honey, cinnamon, raspberries and black tea.
Finish: Spicy and masculine, yet there’s an underlying sense of spun sugar and sweet corn.
Overall: Somehow they’ve captured summer in a bottle.  Very well done and a testament to the Nikka company’s devotion to creating high quality products.
GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Anchor Distilling