Nikka Whisky Celebrates 90th Anniversary with Limited Edition ‘Nine Decades’ Release
Japan’s Nikka Whisky marks its 90th anniversary with a special whisky release called Nine Decades. This release features liquid from six distilleries over nine decades, showcasing Nikka’s history. More than 50 unique batches have been blended, some dating back to the 1940s, from Nikka’s oldest reserves at the Yoichi and Miyagiko distilleries.
The Nine Decades blend includes whisky distilled at Nikka’s Yoichi, Nishinomiya, Miyagikyo, Moji, Satsumatsukasa, and Ben Nevis distilleries. Each whisky in the blend has been aged with care to celebrate this milestone.
Nine Decades is available worldwide, including in France, the US, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, and Japan. The launch was celebrated in Hong Kong with a VIP masterclass led by Emiko Kaji, attended by 25 industry professionals and media representatives.
What inspired the creation of the Nine Decades whisky blend at Nikka Whisky?
Interview with Emiko Kaji, Master Distiller at Nikka Whisky, on the Release of Nine Decades
Date: [Insert Date]
Location: Hong Kong
NewsDirectory3: Emiko, congratulations on the launch of Nine Decades. Can you share the significance of this release for Nikka Whisky?
Emiko Kaji: Thank you! Nine Decades is a remarkable celebration of our history and craftsmanship. This release not only marks our 90th anniversary but also showcases the evolution of our whisky-making process over the decades. Each bottle represents a journey through our legacy, encapsulating over 50 unique batches from various distilleries.
NewsDirectory3: The blend includes whiskies from six different distilleries. How did you decide which distilleries to include in Nine Decades?
Emiko Kaji: Each distillery has played a critical role in our journey. We included Yoichi, Miyagikyo, Nishinomiya, Moji, Satsumatsukasa, and Ben Nevis, as they each contribute distinct characteristics to the blend. By selecting whisky from these sites, we were able to create a harmonious balance that reflects our brand’s multifaceted heritage.
NewsDirectory3: Can you elaborate on the aging process and how it contributes to the flavor profile of Nine Decades?
Emiko Kaji: Absolutely. Aging is an art in itself. For Nine Decades, we carefully selected liquids that have matured in various cask types, imparting a plethora of flavors. Some of the whisky in this release dates back to the 1940s. The time spent in the cask allows the whisky to develop richness and complexity — elements that are beautifully showcased in this blend.
NewsDirectory3: The VIP launch event in Hong Kong featured a masterclass. What were the key takeaways you wanted attendees to gain from this experience?
Emiko Kaji: The masterclass aimed to connect people to the deep-rooted traditions of Nikka Whisky. I wanted attendees to appreciate the craftsmanship involved in creating Nine Decades. By tasting the blend alongside expressions from each distillery, they could gain insight into the unique nuances that define our whisky.
NewsDirectory3: Roger Chan mentioned the pride in working with Nikka. How do collaborations and partnerships enhance the experience of your whisky?
Emiko Kaji: Collaborations like the one with Metagroup are vital. They allow us to share our passion and expertise with a broader audience. It’s always rewarding to see others recognize and appreciate the quality of our product. Working with professionals who share our values enhances the storytelling behind our whisky.
NewsDirectory3: With Nine Decades being available worldwide, what are your hopes for the reception in different markets?
Emiko Kaji: I hope that whisky enthusiasts in every market embrace and celebrate Nine Decades. Our goal is to create a shared experience that transcends borders, allowing people to connect with our history regardless of where they are. It’s a whisky that carries not just flavor but the essence of Nikka’s journey through time.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Emiko, for sharing your insights about Nine Decades. We look forward to seeing how it resonates globally.
Emiko Kaji: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share our story.
Roger Chan, chairman of Metagroup, expressed pride in working with Nikka Whisky. He emphasized the remarkable quality of Nine Decades and highlighted the skill of Nikka’s master distillers and blenders.