Nikka Coffey Grain Distillery

Overview of Nikka Coffey Grain

 Crafted using traditional Coffey stills
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, produced by Nikka Whisky Distilling Co., Ltd., is crafted using traditional Coffey stills at the Miyagikyo Distillery in Sendai, Japan. 

Distilled primarily from corn with other grains, this whisky features a golden amber appearance, rich aromas of tropical fruits like banana, mango, and papaya, and notes of vanilla and caramel. 
On the palate, it is smooth and creamy with flavors of sweet corn, butterscotch, toffee, coconut, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, leading to a long and balanced finish with a touch of oak. 

Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky is celebrated for its smooth 
Known for its innovative use of Coffey stills, Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky is celebrated for its smooth and approachable character, making it versatile for enjoying neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Founded by Masataka Taketsuru, who brought Scottish whisky-making techniques to Japan, Nikka continues to blend tradition with innovation in its whisky production.
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky represents a distinctive approach within the Nikka Whisky lineup, primarily made from corn using a Coffey grain

Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture

The Nikka Coffey Grain whisky is produced at the Miyagikyo Distillery, which is located in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. The distillery is situated in a beautiful glen in the northern mountains, chosen by Nikka’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru, for its ideal conditions for whisky production. This location was selected due to the quality of water from the Nikkawa River, which is now the water source for the distillery. 

History of Nikka Coffey Grain

The Coffey Still, named after its inventor Aeneas Coffey, has a history that dates back to the 1830s. Masataka Taketsuru, recognizing the potential of these stills to produce a distinctively flavorful grain whisky, introduced them to Japan. 

Coffey Still was imported from Scotland 

The first Coffey Still was imported from Scotland to Nikka’s Nishinomiya site in the 1960s, marking a significant innovation in Japanese whisky production. These stills now reside at the Miyagikyo distillery, continuing to produce Nikka’s renowned grain whisky.

Coffey Stills from Scotland to Japan
An intriguing story in the Nikka Coffey Grain’s history is the journey of the Coffey Stills from Scotland to l

newer distillation technologies available. 
The decision to import these stills was met with skepticism due to their age and the newer distillation technologies available. 

Nikka’s unique whisky profile.

However, Taketsuru’s foresight and dedication to traditional methods led to the revival of these historic stills, which became a cornerstone of Nikka’s unique whisky profile.

Production process
The distillation process using the Coffey Still is what sets Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky apart. The continuous distillation process allows for a more precise separation of the alcohol, resulting in a purer and smoother spirit. Nikka Coffey Grain whisky, with a special focus on the Coffey stills 、
Highlights the Nikka Coffey Grain whisky, with a special focus on the Coffey stills that play a crucial role in its production. The scene captures the elegance of the distillery setting, showcasing the copper Coffey stills and a bottle of Nikka Coffey Grain whisky, emphasizing the craftsmanship and quality behind this distinctive whisky.
Advantages of Coffey Still
1. Efficiency: 
The continuous operation allows for a more efficient and consistent production process, ideal for large-scale whisky production.
2. Purity and Smoothness: 
The multiple stages of separation in the rectifier column result in a purer and smoother spirit compared to pot stills.
3. Versatility: 
 Coffey stills can handle various types of grain mashes, making them versatile for producing different styles of whisky.

The Nikka Coffey Grain whisky is produced at the Miyagikyo Distillery, which is located in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. The distillery is situated in a beautiful glen in the northern mountains, chosen by Nikka’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru, for its ideal conditions for whisky production. This location was selected due to the quality of water from the Nikkawa River, which is now the water source for the distillery. The Miyagikyo Distillery produces both malt and grain whisky, utilizing traditional Coffey Stills that are known for retaining more flavors originating from the grain itself. These Coffey Stills were first installed at the Nishinomiya plant before being transferred to the Miyagikyo Distillery in 1999 .

Aroma of Nikka Coffey Grain

Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky is celebrated for its vibrant and complex aroma profile. 
It features a delightful mix of sweet, fruity notes with a hint of vanilla and tropical fruits, leading to a rich and smooth taste. 

The aroma is a testament to the Coffey Still’s ability to preserve the grain’s natural sweetness, resulting in a whisky that is both accessible and deeply satisfying.

Food environment of Nikka Coffey Grain

mountainous outdoor barbecue 
The meal designed to pair with Nikka Coffey Grain whisky in a mountainous outdoor barbecue setting has been visualized, highlighting the perfect harmony between the whisky and grilled dishes. This setting brings to life the joy of enjoying fine whisky in nature, surrounded by the grandeur of the mountains and the warmth of good company.

 Spanish food 

The illustration expands on the pairing of Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky with a broader selection of Spanish cuisine, showcasing a lavish spread that includes Chorizo al Vino, Tortilla Española, and Croquetas de Jamón, along with the previously mentioned tapas. A bottle and a glass of Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky are prominently featured, highlighting the whisky as the perfect accompaniment to the diverse flavors of Spanish food. The setting evokes the vibrant and festive spirit of Spanish dining, with rich, warm colors and a sense of abundance, inviting viewers to imagine the complex interplay of flavors between the whisky and the expanded selection of Spanish dishes.

Night time drink at the lake

Cocktail.  Elegant Amber Whisper

Cocktail Name: Elegant Amber Whisper

Ingredients:
• 2 oz Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky: The base spirit, chosen for its rich aroma and smooth taste.
• 3/4 oz Aged Orange Liqueur: Adds a nuanced citrus sweetness.
• 1/2 oz Vermouth Rosso: Contributes depth and a hint of herbal notes
• 2 dashes of Orange Bitters: Enhances the cocktail with a subtle spicy undertone.
• A splash of Soda Water: For a light effervescence.
• Garnish: Orange twist and a cherry on a skewer for a classic touch.

Instructions:
 1. Chill the Glass: Start by chilling a lowball glass in the freezer.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, aged orange liqueur, Vermouth Rosso, and orange bitters.
3. Stir: Gently stir the mixture for about 30 seconds, ensuring the flavors meld together while maintaining the spirit’s integrity.
4. Prepare the Glass: Remove the lowball glass from the freezer.
5. Strain: Strain the cocktail mixture into the chilled glass.
6. Add Soda Water: Top the cocktail with a splash of soda water for a refreshing effervescence.
7. Garnish: Express an orange twist over the glass to release its oils, then garnish with the twist and a cherry on a skewer.
8. Serve: Present the Elegant Amber Whisper with a stirrer on the side.

This cocktail, the Elegant Amber Whisper, is designed to satisfy connoisseurs seeking a drink that is both deep in flavor and light on the palate, perfect for a sophisticated evening or a special occasion.

Award

1. World Whiskies Awards:
• World’s Best Grain Whisky (2018, 2017) – The World Whiskies Awards recognized Nikka Coffey Grain as the world’s best grain whisky, which showcases its exceptional flavor profile and smoothness.

2. San Francisco World Spirits Competition:
• Double Gold Medal (2017, 2018) – This competition is one of the most respected in the spirits industry, and Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky has consistently earned high accolades, including Double Gold Medals, for its excellence in taste and quality.

• Gold Medal (2019, 2021) – Nikka Coffey Grain continued to perform 
strongly at this competition, reinforcing its status as a top grain whisky.

3. International Spirits Challenge:
• Gold Medal (2020, 2021) – This is another highly regarded competition where Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky has been awarded Gold, highlighting its craftsmanship and quality.

4. International Whisky Competition:
• Best Japanese Grain Whisky (2020) – Recognized as the best in its category, underlining its unique profile among Japanese grain whiskies.