Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

Continuing to sample bottles from my collection that I haven't reviewed yet. To start, "Coffey" doesn't refer to coffee, but to a type of still. It originated in Scotland in the early 1800s and was brought to Japan in the early 1900s. I currently have four Nikka whiskies: these two, plus the Taketsuru Pure Malt and the Nikka Whisky From The Barrel (which I need to try again, as it was over a year ago and only scored 4.25; I've had it since and thought it was even better). I've had the Coffey Malt and Coffey Grain for a while, and I remember not liking the former but really enjoying the latter. Nikka Coffey Malt Color is a clear, bright gold, similar to Pantone 116 (I have no connection to Pantone, but I'm using it to try for more visual accuracy). It's been a long time since I've had this, but I recalled it reminding me of a Halls Honey Lemon cough drop. The nose is initially reserved, but it does have a lemony-honey-eucalyptus scent; this sounds strange, but it's not as bad as it sounds. On the palate, there's a honey sweetness and a light, smooth glycerin mouthfeel. There's a lasting coolness on the finish, some chile spice, and a touch of bitterness (could be some woody tannins, though I don't know the barrels used, other than being fairly sure it's not Mizanura oak, which would likely be noted on the bottle). This is a distinctive whisky, unlike anything I've ever encountered, and might be worth seeking out for the curious connoisseur. I imagine it's divisive too. Nikka states this was released in 2013 to "offer more excitements [sic] to afficionados." Additionally, some distillate from Ben Nevis is used, so it doesn't qualify as Japanese Whisky. I recall paying about $60 a few years ago, and a quick internet search shows either can be bought for about $70 today. The 45% ABV is appreciated, and the flavors are strong enough to support it; a higher proof also shows more focus on quality than cost (i.e., water dilution and more yield). The quality is present, as is a strong flavor profile; but the flavors themselves are unusual. That said, I do like it much more than the last time I had it, and I'd keep a bottle on hand for variety. 3.75 out of 5 stars. Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky Color is a rich Pantone 123, with a slight orange hue compared to the more golden Coffey Malt. The nose is completely different from the Coffey Malt: the nose is sweet, with bourbon-like notes of caramelized sugar, a bit of vanilla, cornbread, and some mint. If tasted blind, I would have guessed bourbon. The palate is soft, round, heavy, and very present, like the Pillsbury Dough Boy. Viscous mouthfeel, with Honey, Cheerios, and orange, finishing with the same chile (not pepper) spiciness, and again a hint of vanilla. A pleasant finish. I LOVE this whisky. Unsurprisingly, due to its bourbon-like qualities, Nikka states that it is "predominantly made from corn." Like the Coffey Malt, it's also 45% ABV, which is noticeable and well-integrated. According to the company, the Coffey Grain meets all the requirements for "Japanese Whisky" (I didn't realize a corn-heavy mashbill would allow for that). Rich, sweet, and bold, Nikka Coffey Grain excels and offers another unique drinking experience, considering its origin. I would always keep this on hand (I've had a backup for some time now). An easy 4.25 out of 5 stars. Note: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Last pour from the bottle, barely fit for the small Glencairn 😅 this one's been sitting a bit too long so—especially with what I noted last time I tried this—notes here are for a likely highly oxidized and past-its-prime spirit. Nose: gentle caramel, a strange hint of bubblegum, vanilla, a touch of poached pear, mellowish oak. Palate: smooth, slightly metallic though for my palate I think I'm coming to learn that's just column still? I may be wrong, vanilla, very subtle orange peel, a bit nutty. Warming spice and caramel. The slightest hint of mocha/coffee Finish: medium short. A bit oaky, sweet and a bit warming.

Nose: Gentle blossoms and noticeable malt, complemented by a hint of citrus. Uncomplicated, yet welcoming. Palate: Further cereal-like notes, subtle fruitiness, maybe a whisper of white wine present? Not overly intricate, but quite enjoyable to taste. Finish: Unexpectedly sweet, with a nearly light caramel quality. Moderate duration. Little to no spirit sting, just once again a very agreeable, rather straightforward, highly sippable spirit. Considering the $60 spent, this is quite good for those seeking a fine, approachable Japanese Whisky. Lacks profound complexity, but the available tastes are all quite pleasing.

Nose: caramel, pecan pie, cinnamon. A hint of honeyed malt. A suggestion of baked apple pie/pie crust. A touch of burnt oak. As it rests (and I adjust) a subtle earthiness emerges, almost a sherry note. Palate: vanilla, a touch of honey. A little nutty. Baking spice, toasted oak. A little maple. There's almost a baked/poached apple here too, like an apple crisp with very tender but still firm apples. I can perceive the coconut note somewhat, but it's very muted. Finish: slightly sharp, slightly sweet. A little bitter oak tannin comes through here.

It's not overwhelmingly complicated, but it performs its function masterfully. It delivers a potent chocolate malt essence, reminiscent of drinking Whoppers. The aroma is that of delightful malted nougat. The texture is also wonderfully thick and viscous. The finish mirrors the palate, being medium-short, with a mild, astringent heat initially that subsides, leaving behind a sensation of oak coated in chocolate as it fades. If this wasn't priced at $81 per bottle, I would happily consume it regularly. It is superb.

Nose: detects almonds, a whisper of banana. Vanilla, spices for baking. Faint notes of orange zest. Palate: tastes of honey, ginger, baking spices. Sugary malt. Vanilla custard dessert. Banana appears but much fainter than the initial subtle aroma. Remarkably silky and light on the tongue, it's effortlessly drinkable. A trace of cocoa as it shifts towards the end. Finish: rather brief/slight. Primarily a pleasant warmth and a subtle woodsy astringency.