Nikka is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the debut of its iconic square-bottled Nikka From the Barrel in 1985 with the launch of never-before-seen expressions: including the Nikka From the Barrel Extra Marriage, Nikka Malt Pieces of the Barrel, and Nikka Grain Pieces of the Barrel. 

The first expression, Nikka From the Barrel Extra Marriage, is a blend of grain whisky from Nikka’s famed Coffey stills and malt whiskies primarily sourced from its Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. . 

The brand has said the expression takes the original Nikka From the Barrel and ‘pushed it even further’, with a doubly long cask marriage period. 

Nikka from the Barrel Extra Marriage is touted to have nose notes of honey, beeswax, tropical pineapple with nutmeg and ginger, as well as gentle and elegant smoky character and rich earthiness.

The palate promises candied lemon and cocoa powder alongside roasted cereals and plum jam, concluding with a flinty, salty note of peat. The whisky in its entirety has been described as vibrant, elegant, and layered with complexity.

The Nikka From the Barrel Extra Marriage will be available to purchase seperately.

Meanwhile, the brand is also launching a limited edition gift set three expressions designed as an ‘immersion’ into the blend. Alongside the new Extra Marriage bottling, the gift set will feature two seperate expressions that exemplify the malt and grain whiskies used that define the former's signature character.

The Malt side, known as Malt Pieces of the Barrel, promises to reveal bold notes of peat, smoke, malt, herbs, fruit, and spice. A small addition of heavily-peated Yoichi whisky aged in new American oak is said to provide additional depth and a long, satisfying finish.

The latter is known as the Grain Pieces of the Barrel, opening with notes of vanilla, fruit, herbs, flowers and a warm, spicy backbone with notes of chili. This expression features a skosh of Satsuma Tsukasa Distillery’s corn and rye whisky, along with matured Coffey grain, that is said to lend a vibrancy to the expression.

All three expressions are presented in the original square bottle Nikka is known for, and will be available as part of the Thre Bottles Gift Set. The Extra Marriage is adorned with a new silver label stamped with ‘Extra Marriage’, and offered as ‘a tribute to 40 years of expertise’. The Malt and Grain expressions themselves have a dusky, granite-colored labelling.

Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage is now available with an MSRP of £51 (US$67), while the Three Bottles Gift Set comes in at £275 (US$361). 

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team