Nikka The Grain Whisky
Nikka The Grain Whisky is the third and final installment of the Nikka Discovery Series — the 2023 limited release created ahead of Nikka's 90th anniversary (2024). It is a blended grain whisky at 48% ABV in 750mL, built from seven unique personalities across four Nikka distilleries: Miyagikyo's old Coffey Grain and Coffey Malt at the core, old Coffey reserves from the closed Nishinomiya distillery (1998), and new barley grain from the historic shochu distilleries Moji and Satsumatsukasa — the first time Nikka has put their distillates into whisky — plus experimental corn and rye grains, matured in new American oak. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 48% (no age statement)
- Size: 750mL (US edition)
- Series: Nikka Discovery Series — third and final installment, 2023 release
- Distilleries: Miyagikyo (Coffey Grain + Coffey Malt, core) / Nishinomiya (closed 1998, old reserves) / Moji (new barley grain) / Satsumatsukasa (barley, corn, rye)
- Maturation: new American oak
- Scale: 20,000 bottles total (per Drinks Digest); stylish gift box
The Final Installment of the Discovery Series
Masataka Taketsuru learned Coffey-grain distillation in Scotland and installed Nikka's first still in 1963 — The Grain is built on that inheritance, GM Emiko Kaji's framing of the Coffey stills as the founder's assets. The label carries a four-row pattern honoring the four distilleries inside the bottle. As the Discovery Series' finale ahead of the 90th anniversary, it's the series' most experimental pour: new grain spirits from two shochu distilleries that had never made whisky before. Browse more japanese whisky and whisky, or explore the Nikka Whisky range at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Per brand ambassador Marcus Parmenter: a refreshing scent reminiscent of marmalade and cider; woody and vanilla-like, with a sweet, fragrant aroma of toasted grains or even cookies. Retailer Bondston: nose of beeswax, aromatic herbs, fresh fruit, vanilla and grain; a creamy palate of almond/coconut milk, vanilla, liquorice, cinnamon and ginger; a smooth, balanced finish of mint, acacia honey and floral notes.
How to Enjoy
Neat at 48% to read the toasted-grain profile, or over a large cube. A Discovery Series finale — collectors keep the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nikka The Grain?
The 2023 third and final installment of the Nikka Discovery Series — a limited-edition blended grain whisky from four Nikka distilleries.
What is the ABV of Nikka The Grain?
48% ABV, with no age statement.
Which distilleries are in Nikka The Grain?
Miyagikyo (core), Nishinomiya (closed 1998), Moji and Satsumatsukasa — the latter two being historic shochu distilleries used for whisky for the first time.
How limited is Nikka The Grain?
20,000 bottles total (per Drinks Digest).
The Discovery Series' final word on grain whisky — add Nikka The Grain to your cart at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.