Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky
Japanese whisky has long since established itself as a serious competitor to Scottish and American bottlings. Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky takes a slightly different approach: 100% barley, but distilled in a coffey still - a traditional column still that is usually used for grain whisky.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose is immediately greeted by a sweet vanilla note, as if you were biting into a freshly baked slice of bee sting cake. Caramel and a light spiciness are added, followed by a surprising fruitiness: ripe banana, floral notes and a hint of exotic funk.
Palate
The first sip confirms the impression from the nose: malty and nutty, with clear roasted flavours reminiscent of hazelnuts. A creamy texture provides a pleasant mouthfeel, while light hay and honey notes add a subtle sweetness. The whole remains accessible and round without becoming too complicated - a whisky that doesn't show off.
Finish
Here, the Nikka Coffey Malt shows a more reserved side. The flavours fade quickly, but leave behind a pleasant spiciness as well as light fruit notes and vanilla. A little crispy perhaps, but overall a clean, albeit short finish.
Thoughts
Marcel 75/100
A whisky that’s fun without being overwhelming – the Nikka Coffey Malt is like a friendly companion for the evening. Its sweet vanilla notes and creamy texture invite relaxed sipping, even if the experience doesn’t quite stand out from the crowd. For anyone looking for an uncomplicated, approachable malt, this is a safe bet.
Sascha 74/100
The Nikka Coffey Malt shows a solid balance between sweet vanilla and fruity banana notes, supported by a fine malty structure. Despite its accessible nature, it lacks the complexity and long finish needed to distinguish itself as an exceptional bottling. For lovers of a harmonious but rather understated Japanese malt, it remains an interesting option.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
Taketsuru Pure Malt
The Nikka distillery honours its founder with Taketsuru Pure Malt, a blend of various malt whiskies with no age statement, bottled at 43%.
75/100
Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Kildalton Release 2024 19 Years - Living Souls
A whisky from Islay, a blended malt with Ardbeg roots, matured for a full 19 years - you'd expect a massive smoke bomb with a good dose of character. And that's exactly what the Kildalton Release 2024 from Living Souls delivers - but with an unexpected depth and a good pinch of surprise.
84/100
Stauning Heather Distillery Edition 2017/2021
While other countries are still debating whether they can distil whisky at all, the Danes are simply marching through and demanding premium prices for their Danish whiskies. And you know what? They have the courage to do it. At 47.80% vol. and without an age statement, this Danish whisky presents itself like a rebellious teenager: young, untamed and damn self-confident. Incidentally, the Heather Edition does not mean that heather has been thrown into the barrel here (although that would come as no surprise with the Danes), but that this whisky is intended to capture the rough, windswept landscape of Denmark in the glass.
81/100Frequently Asked Questions
What sets the Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky apart from other malt whiskies?
The Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky is made 100% from barley but distilled in a Coffey still – a column still typically used for grain whisky. This gives it a unique flavor profile that combines malty depth with the lightness of column distillation.
How does the Coffey still influence the flavors of the Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky?
The Coffey still ensures an especially smooth yet aromatic distillation. This preserves sweet vanilla and caramel notes while allowing the fruitiness and subtle spice to come through clearly. The result is a creamy, approachable whisky with a fine balance between maltiness and freshness.
Why does the Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky have no age statement (No Age Statement)?
The Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky is bottled without an age statement because Nikka blends casks of different maturation periods to achieve a consistent flavor profile. This allows flexibility in cask selection and ensures the whisky always reflects its characteristic style and quality.