Here’s some exciting news. The Nikka Whisky Distilling Company, known for producing some delightful Japanese whiskies, will soon be introducing a gin and vodka. Dubbed Nikka Coffey Gin and Nikka Coffey Vodka, the new spirits will be distributed by Anchor Distilling Company and hit shelves this fall.
To be clear, that’s “coffey,” like the still–the kind named for creator Aeneas Coffey, who revolutionized the continuous column still in the 1830s. So it’s not to be confused with “coffee,” the beverage.
To produce Nikka Coffey Gin and Nikka Coffey Vodka, corn and barley are distilled separately. Then Nikka’s team of blenders gets to work creating the final spirits. And now, some notes from the brand:
Nikka Coffey Gin
A rich, mellow barley and corn-based spirit is the heart of this gin, which is characterized by a luxurious and silky texture. In addition to traditional gin botanicals such as juniper, angelica, coriander, and lemon peel, Coffey Gin’s aromatic complexity relies on a refreshing burst from Japanese citrus, including Yuzu, Kabosu, Amanatsu and Shikuwasa, plus the delicate fruitiness of apples and pleasantly tangy hints of Japanese Sansho pepper on the finish. Nikka conducts individual distillations with the various botanicals before creating the final blend and diluting to proof. 47% ABV / $50
Nikka Coffey Vodka
This refined vodka is the purest expression of the signature Coffey Stills, which captures the smooth and delicate taste of the Coffey-distilled corn and barley spirits. Like the gin, Nikka distills the corn and barley separately before creating a meticulous blend. The formula is perfected with minimal filtration using white birch charcoal to deliver precise balance and mellow texture. 40% ABV / $45
Both spirits will become available this fall in your larger U.S. markets, so keep an eye out. Until then, you can pickup a bottle of Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky. Or if you really can’t wait for these products to reach American shores, Japanese retailer, dekantā, has the gin and the vodka ready to send your way.
