While Nikka have a long history of distilling white spirits for the local market, it was only in 2014 that Chief Blender, Tadashi Sakuma, created the first prototype of “Coffey” gin, following a trend in Japanese spirits producers who were moving into the category. Nikka’s version is produced with eleven botanicals, including yuzu, sansho pepper, kabosu, amanatsu, and shequasar, a native citrus. Other botanicals include juniper, angelica, coriander, lemon peel, orange peel, and apple juice. It’s also bottled at a higher than normal ABV of 47% Alc./Vol.
Gin from Nikka?! Oh yes, my friends, the folks at Nikka aren’t simply just whisky geniuses – they’re accomplished gin producers too! Produced in Coffey stills using a base of barley and corn, Nikka Coffey Gin features a selection of enjoyably vibrant botanicals, including amanatsu, kabosu, shikuwasa and yuzu, as well as sansho pepper, among others.
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