Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

NIKKA COFFEY-STILL SHOWDOWN Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky Continuing to work through the bottles in my collection that I’ve not yet reviewed. To begin, “Coffey” is not a typo; it doesn’t refer to the bean or drink, but rather to a type of still that is used, which originated in early 19th-century Scotland and was brought to Japan in the early 20th century. I currently have four Nikka whiskies: these two, plus the Taketsuru Pure Malt and the Nikka Whisky From The Barrel (which I need to review again, as the last time was over a year ago and only rated 4.25; I’ve had it since and thought it was even better). I’ve had the Coffey Malt and Coffey Grain for some time, and recall that I didn’t care for the former but very much liked the latter. Nikka Coffee Malt Color is a clear and bright gold, akin to Pantone 116 (I have no affiliation with Pantone, but am using it in an attempt to achieve a little more visual precision). 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 reluctant, but does have a lemony-honey-eucalyptus aspect; this sounds odd, but it’s not as bad as it sounds. On the palate, there’s a honey sweetness and a light, round glycerin mouthfeel. There’s a lingering coolness on the finish, some chile spice, and a touch of bitterness on the finish (could be some woody tannins, though I’m unaware of the barrels used, other than being relatively certain that this is not Mizanura oak, which would likely be displayed prominently on the bottle). This is a unique whisky, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and is perhaps worth seeking out for the exploratory connoisseur. I’d imagine that it’s polarizing as well. Nikka states that this expression was released in 2013 to “offer more excitements [sic] to afficionados.” Additionally, some distillate from Ben Nevis is used, and thus doesn’t qualify as Japanese Whisky. I recall paying about $60 a few years back, and a quick Internet search shows that either can be had for about $70 today. The 45% ABV is appreciated, and the flavors are robust enough to support it; a higher proof also displays more attention to quality than economics (i.e., water dilution and more yield). The quality is there, as is a robust flavor profile; but the flavors themselves are unusual. That being said, I do like it much more than the last time I had it, and I’d keep a bottle onhand as a diversion. 3.75 on the Distiller scale. Nikka Coffee Grain Whisky Color is a robust Pantone 123, with just a bit of an orange tint vs the more gold Coffee Malt. The nose is nothing like the Coffee Malt: the nose is sweet, with bourbon-like elements of caramelized sugar, a little vanilla, cornbread, and some mint. Nosed blind, I would’ve guessed bourbon. The palate hits you like the Pillsbury Dough Boy: soft, round, heavy, and not going anywhere. Viscous mouthfeel, with Honey, Cheerios, and orange, finishing with the same chile (not pepper) spiciness, and again a hit of vanilla. Nice finish. I LOVE this whisky. Unsurprisingly, due to its bourbonesque characteristics, Nikka states that it is “predominantly made from corn.” Like the Coffey Malt, also 45% ABV, which is both noticeable and well integrated. According to the company, the Coffey Grain does meet all the criteria for “Japanese Whisky” (I was unaware that the corn-primary mashbill would allow for that). Rich, sweet, and bold, Nikka Coffey Grain fires on all cylinders and offers another unique drinking experience, given the origin. I would always have this onhand (I’ve had a backup for some time now). An easy 4.25 stars on the Distiller scale. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Bottle kill pour just barely fit for the wee 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 weird suggestion of bubblegum, vanilla, a hint 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: Soft florals and prominent malt with a touch of lemony citrus. Simple, but inviting. Palate: More cereal grain type notes, light fruit sweetness, perhaps a touch of a white wine hiding in the background? Nothing too complex, but very pleasent to sip. Finish: Surprisingly sweet with an almost light caramel sweetness. Medium length. No real alcohol burn to speak of, just again a very nice, relatively simple, very easy drinking whisky. For the $60 I paid, this is very nice if you're looking for a good, easy sipping Japanese Whisky. Nothing super complex but the flavors you get are all very nice.

Nose: caramel, pecan pie, cinnamon. A touch of honeyed malt. A suggestion of baked apple pie/pie crust. A touch of burnt oak. As it sits (and I acclimate) a hint of earthiness comes out, almost a sherry note. Palate: vanilla, a touch of honey. A little nutty. Baking spice, toasted oak. A little maple. Theres almost a baked/poached apple here too, like an apple crisp with very tender but still firm apples. I can see the coconut note a bit, but its very muted. Finish: slightly sharp, slightly sweet. A little bitter oak tannin comes thru here.

Not overly complex but it does what it does exceptionally well. It's like drinking liquid whoppers. Basically a chocolate malt bomb. Smells like delicious malted nougat. Great thick oily mouth feel too. Finish is more of the same, medium short, with a slight astringent burn on the first few sips which fades as you go leaving oak dipped in chocolate as it goes out. If this stuff wasn't $81 a bottle I'd be happy to drink it all the time. It's great.

Nose: nutty, light hint of banana. Vanilla, baking spice. A hint of orange peel. Palate: Honey, ginger, baking spice. Sweet malt. Vanilla creme brulee. Banana is here but significantly lighter than it is on the nose which is already light. Incredibly smooth and light on the palate, goes down easy. Tiny hint of dark chocolate as it transitions to the finish. Finish: relatively short/thin. Mostly a warming heat and a little bit of oaky tannin.