Blended Whisky, Japan

A true masterpiece, The Nikka Nine Decades is the result of blending 50 whiskies. Writing, note by note, the score of an epic story that began in 1934, this anniversary cuvée is made up of whisky taken from the oldest cask kept by Nikka, a Yoichi distilled in 1945, several vintages of the same single malt from the 1950s to 2020, Miyagikyo from the 1960s to 2020 and Coffey Grain and Coffey Malt from the Nishinomiya and Miyagikyo distilleries, as well as more recent grain whiskies from Moji and Satsuma Tsukasa. Echoing Nikka’s historic links with Scotland, the blend also incorporates Ben Nevis from the 1960s to 2020. Resplendent with blossoming maturity and at the same time remarkably youthful in spirit, its aromatic and taste palette is traversed by peaty, smoky, apricot and spicy sequences that embody the Nikka Whisky style with great brilliance.

Nose : A rich apple pie and raisin sweetness with toasty barrel ageing notes lead into a gentle smokiness and the nostalgic scent of antique furniture. Complex and layered aromas give the impression of standing in the warehouse where the whisky has peacefully slumbered.

Appearance : Topaz.

Palate : Mellow oak with profound depth forms a base, structuring the spicy cinnamon, roasted nuts, and rich dark chocolate aromas. A subtle bitterness from the peat is balanced by sweet apricot jam and maple syrup, while an overall warmth gives the impression of sitting in front of a fireplace.

Overall : Gentle peat is enveloped by the full body, with sweet and sour notes introducing a pleasant bitterness on a very long finish.