How Do You Drink Whiskey
The easiest way to enjoy your whiskey neat is to clean your palate with cold water between sips. Some people also add a few drops of water to their whiskey, which allows the flavors to open up as the liquids mix. Experiment to see what works for you, but take it easy. Do not add too much water at once.
Best World Blend: Mars Maltage Cosmo
Courtesy of Whiskey Exchange
Region: Japan | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Orange, chocolate, dried fruit
The bottle from the Mars Shinshu distillery is a blend of whisky distilled in Japan and sourced from Scotland. Catherine Simmerman of Pepe Le Moko in Portland, Oregon is a fan, saying Mars Maltage Cosmo tastes like a sherry casked scotch with hints of vanilla and plum. Thats likely due to the inclusion of whisky that was aged in sherry butts in the blend, along with liquid aged in ex-bourbon barrels. Try this one over a few ice cubes or in a cocktail like an Old Fashioned.
Does Kirkland Have Its Own Japanese Whiskey Blend
Kirkland is Costcos signature off-brand for almost everything that they sell. Compared to the off-brands sold by Wal-Mart, Sams Club, and Target, Costco easily has some of the highest-quality options in the wholesale game.
Kirkland even has its own line-up of liquor. Many of their bottles are distilled in the same facilities as the name-brand. For example, their award-winning, 5-stage distilled vodka is made in the same location as Grey Goose .
However, due to Japanese whiskys more exclusive nature, Kirkland does not yet produce their own blend of Japanese whisky. Perhaps one day they will, but for now, its not on the menu.
If youre looking for something similar, though, Kirkland does have several options when it comes to their blended Scotch whiskys. Their Scotch has received excellent reviews in the past and has that same peat-smoked flavor profile that will pair well with traditional Japanese cuisine such as Nabemono.
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The Nikka Yoichi Distillery
True to the climate and design concept, Nikka Whiskys Yoichi distillery produces legendary single malt whiskies that have a Scotch-like character. They are moderately peaty, smoky, a little briny, and with a robust and malty character.
Using the older distillation method of direct firing in pot stills also lends to a more robust character in Yoichi whiskies.
Nikka has discontinued most of its age statement whiskies due to high demand and insufficient supply. Gone are the Yoichi Single Malt 10 Year, 12 Year, 15 Year, and 20 Year expressions.
Quite a bummer, but theyve increased production, so there will likely be a return of a few age statement bottlings.
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
Nikka Coffey Grain uses the Miyagikyo Distillerys old-school Coffey stills and a 95% corn mash-bill to great success. This whisky is sweet , supple, smooth, and light. Grain and barrel characteristics dominate: dried cereal, toast, vanilla, cinnamon, and char. Other tasting notes include dried fruit, apricot, melon, peanut, and caramel.
Overall, Nikka Coffey Grain is a solid Japanese whisky. In many ways, it reminds of Bourbon whiskey. It makes a great choice for classic cocktails like the Japanese whisky highball, a mint julep, whisky sour, old fashioned, or Manhattan. Prices start around $60 US.
Nikkas Coffey Grain whisky had been temporarily suspended as of 2019. Again, lets hope it makes a comeback. The younger nature of the Coffey-line whiskies means it probably wont take as long as the older age statement single malts to bounce back.
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Does Costco Sell Japanese Whiskey
The flavor of Japanese whiskey is almost identical to Scotch, but many describe Japanese whiskey as having a smoother taste. This, combined with certain trade tariffs, has led to it becoming one of the more expensive liquors on the market. Its easily one of the best investments youll make, though.
Does Costco sell Japanese whiskey? Costco does, in fact, sell Japanese whiskey. Some of the most popular brands they carry include Suntory and Nikka. The price of Japanese whiskey at Costco is considerably lower than what you would pay at most liquor stores or duty-free airport locations that sell alcohol.
That being said, you may not have as large of a selection as you would have at a larger liquor store. Due to the high demand for Japanese whiskey, they tend to sell out quickly.
You can also buy Japanese Whiskey on Amazon. .
Today, Im going to inform you of everything that you need to know about buying Japanese whiskey at Costco.
As a result of COVID-19 response and the need for social distancing, Costco has created dedicated hours for seniors.
Contents
Best Single Malt: Hakushu 12 Year Old
Drizly
Region: Japan | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Apple, light smoke, honey
In Japan, single malt essentially means the same thing as in Scotlandwhisky made at one distillery from malted barley. Hakushu is produced in the Japanese Alps, and the whisky produced there is just as gorgeous. It has a woodsy and herbaceous nose that expands to include delightful fruit notes that are backboned with a light peat quality, says Crystal Chasse, beverage director of McCarren Hotel and Talk Story Rooftop. The water source for this whisky comes from the mountains deep in the forest near the distillery. This secret ingredient makes this whisky very approachable for a peated whisky. It is unique and delicious.”
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How Much Is Nikka Gold And Gold
If you buy a bottle at the airport, you will pay anything between $40-$60, depending on the location and special promotions. Thats not cheap, but considering the quality and design of this edition, its fair. By the way, the Samurai armor is solid and quite heavy and should best be fully removed before pouring your drink.
If you try to buy this bottle on the internet, you will see prices ranging from $80 up to $500. -I want to remind you once more that this is a budget version of Nikka Whiskey. So think twice before spending a few hundred dollars for this Whiskey. It possibly might be better invested elsewhere.
How Much Does Japanese Whisky Cost At Costco
The price of Japanese whisky at Costco is considerably lower than what you would pay at most liquor stores or duty-free airport locations that sell alcohol. I cant give you an exact price as the prices can vary a lot from one season to another or depending on what deals your particular Costco location is running.
However, I have seen bottles of the Suntory Toki for as low as $36 before tax. Once, I also saw one of Nikkas limited-edition Coffee Grain Whiskeys for under $55!
These were a steal at the time, and the prices may have gone up a bit. However, if you look hard enough and youre willing to visit a couple of different locations, youll likely find a deal.
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Nikka Penicillin Cocktail Recipe
The Penicillin is similar to a chilled and shaken toddy. Its name represents the drinks medicinal flavor profile and quasi-health benefits.
This modern whisky cocktail requires two types of whisky: a blended and a smoky single malt. From the Barrel provides the blended base of this drink. Yoichi single malt is ideal for the float.
- 1.5-ounce Nikka From the Barrel
- 0.25-ounce smokey single malt whisky
- 0.5-ounce lemon juice
- 0.5-ounce honey syrup*
- 3 slices fresh ginger
To make a Penicillin, start by muddling slices of fresh ginger in a mixing glass. Next, add all of the other ingredients except the single malt whisky. Then, fill the glass with ice and shake.
After shaking, double strain the cocktail into a rocks glass thats filled with ice. Next, pour a small amount of Nikka Yoichi over the top of the drink. Do this carefully so that it floats on the surface.
Garnish with lemon. You can use either a slice or a large swath. Substituting an orange works too. Candied ginger also makes for a great garnish addition or substitution.
A Nikka Penicillin will not make your cold or flu go away. Alcohol weakens the immune system. However, honey, lemon, and ginger may help relieve some of the milder symptoms. If youre drinking anyway, a Penicillin is a great choice.
Substitute the whiskies for your tea of choice to get a healthier NA version of this drink.
Yoichi Single Malt Nas Whisky
The Japanese whisky boom has not been kind to Yoichis lineup of age statement single malt whiskies. Instead of trickling out a few of them, like rival Suntory, Nikka decided to eliminate their entire lineup. The only whisky remaining is the NAS Yoichi single malt, but thats still pretty good.
Nikkas Yoichi NAS Single Malt was released in 2016 and carries the hallmark characteristics that the fabled distillerys brands are known for. A moderate level of peated malt brings smoky, medicinal, and briny notes. These arent to the levels of a typical Islay Scotch but are noticeable for a Japanese whisky.
Other notes include lemon zest, raisin, savory and roasted malt, almond, milk chocolate, vanilla, and cedar. The palate for this Nikka is dry and carries a long finish. Prices for this single malt Nikka start around $80 US. This isnt a collector whisky, but it certainly demands shelf space for the Japanese whisky connoisseur.
Want to learn more? Take a look at my Nikka Yoichi single malt whisky review.
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Imported Whisky In Singapore
Our philosophy is to give our customers as many choices as possible, and most of the time, that means we have to import them from different corners of the world. This way, you have a chance to try out as many whiskies in Singapore as you would if you lived in the United Kingdom There are five major classifications of this very highly regarded spirit, and those are Irish whisky, Scotch whisky, Bourbon, Canadian whisky and American whisky. You can find an example from almost all categories in the section below.
If you want to buy whisky in Singapore made in Ireland or the United States, EC Proof is the ideal store for that!
Nikka From The Barrel Whisky
500 mL bottle | LCBO#: 10226
Pours light golden brown with amber notes. Toffee, marmalade, toasted grains and a whiff of smoke fill the nostrils. Velvety and warming, the palate offers flavours of toffee, dark chocolate, toast and a pinch of spice. The long finish is hot, sweet and smoky. Enjoy with smoked brisket, barbecued ribs, or chocolate cake.
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Nikka Gold And Gold Whiskey Tasting Notes
The Gold & Gold Samurai edition is a blend of Pot still and Coffey still Whiskeys. A Coffey still is the column still invented by Aeneas Coffey. It is more efficient in comparison to the traditional Pot still.
The nose of the Whiskey is very subtle and clean. You can detect some sweet notes, as well as hints of apple and pear, hints of herbs, and a slight burn from the alcohol.
On the palate, there is also sweetness paired with fruity notes of apples, pears, and longan. A few spicy notes from pepper as well a slight citrus taste round off the very light taste.
The finish is comparably short and dry. A light warmth and a mix of honey and herbal notes dominate the finish.
Overall, I dont think it is a bad Whiskey but nothing that you have to run after. A decent fit for a Whiskey Sour and I would drink it if someone offers me a dram, but its nothing I would specifically order anywhere.
Best Under $: Nikka Coffey Grain
Region: Japan | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, coffee, caramel
Nikka is another major whisky producer in Japan. Coffey Grain is named after Aeneas Coffey, the inventor of the continuous still, and is made mostly from corn as opposed to the barley used for single malts. This gives the delicious whisky a creamy texture with a sweetness that should appeal to bourbon fans.
Region: Japan | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Baking spice, pear, vanilla
“This whisky is from the Nagano prefecture in Japan,” says Michael Brooks, co-owner of Bed-Vyne Wine & Spirits. This blend is made from a mash bill that is mostly corn, with some malted barley and rye as well. It has aromas of vanilla with hints of baking spices, and the palate is lean with pear and quince notes. This is a great summer sipper and excellent for making cocktails because of its 45 percent alcohol level,” he says.
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Nikka Whisky: Taketsuru Pure Malt
Taketsuru is a series of Japanese Pure Malt whiskies: a blend of Single Malt Whiskies from two distilleries. This term is basically the same as Blended or Vatted Malt. The Taketsuru line is named for Nikkas legendary founder Masataka Taketsuru. Having two single malt distilleries, Miyagikyo and Yoichi, allows Nikka to produce Blended Malt whisky. These Taketsuru branded Japanese whiskies are some of the finest examples of the style available anywhere.
In 2019, Jim Murray named Nikka Takesturu Pure Malt the Japanese Whisky of the Year award. Shortly after, Nikka announced it would be discontinuing this whisky, as well as the Taketsuru 17 Year, 21 Year, and 25 Year. Thats basically the whole lineup! Replacing them in 2020 is a new NAS Taketsuru, presumably with some older stocks being used in the blend.
Where Has All The Japanese Whisky Gone
The cruel reality of our love affair with Japanese whisky is that as soon as most of us discovered it, many of the finest expressions began disappearing due to supply shortages. Nikka was forced to either discontinue or severely allocate older products, replacing them with non-age statement versions of both its single malts, Yoichi and Miyagikyo, as well as its blend, Taketsuru Pure Malt, while adding the highly acclaimed Coffey Grain and Coffey Malt whiskies to its portfolio.
Rest assured though that more whisky will become available in due time, and that Nikka is doing things the right way to get that job done. Even as business is booming at a pace they’re hustling to keep up with, there’s still a quiet calm in the air at both of Nikka’s distilleries. The whisky will get made and eventually come of age, but they won’t be rushed or compromised along the way. They won’t settle for anything less, and neither should we.
Jake Emen is a food, drink and travel journalist living in San Diego. Follow his adventures on Twitter at.
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Best For Highball: Suntory Toki
Region: Japan | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Citrus, smoke, apple
“I really enjoy Suntory Toki Whisky,” says Darnell Holguin, co-founder of The Silver Sun Group and beverage partner at New York’s Las’ Lap. “Toki, which means time in Japanese, has a blend of some of the best that Suntory makes. It has notes of pink grapefruit, almonds and a light vanilla finish. Just mix some with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon, and you’ll have yourself a yummy Highball.”
How Best To Drink Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
Japanese whiskies tend to portray incredible finesse and balance that subtlety brings out the best of the atmosphere. Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky is a Japanese Whisky flavor best when enjoyed in the following ways
Old Fashioned: Just mix 30ml of Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky in a room temperature glass with 50ml of Coca-Cola and two teaspoons of simple syrup. Serve it with one maraschino cherry.
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky Espresso Martini: Mix half an ounce of coffee liqueur with 1 ounce of vodka, 2 ounces of espresso coffee, and 1 ounce of Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky. Stir well. Strain in a martini glass and enjoy.
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Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky
This all-malt whisky, distilled in a column , is one of the more unique Japanese whiskies being produced. Typically whiskies made from 100% malted barley will be distilled in a pot still. The use of the Coffey still, as opposed to a pot, adds smoothness, softens the texture, and lightens the body. Retained are many of the core tasting characteristics of moderately kilned malt: toasted bread, biscuits, honey, and dried flowers. Ex-Bourbon cask influence is notable as well with aromas and flavors of vanilla, clove, and caramel. Dark fruit and orange notes round things out.
Nikka Coffey Malt is a sturdier, more complex whisky than its corn-based Coffey Grain stablemate. Aromatics are more lifted, and the palate is dryer and sturdier. Both whiskies are bottled at 45% abv.
Unlike Coffey Grain, however, Nikka Coffey Malt uses some portion of Scotch whisky in the blend.
Prices for Nikka Coffey Malt are slightly higher on average than its Coffey Grain sibling: about $75 US.
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Nikka Whisky From The Barrel
From the Barrel is a bronze whisky of moderate aromatic intensity. The tasting profile leans dark and sweet. It has a supple, long finish that hides its 51.5% abv fairly well. Tasting notes include caramel, toffee, butterscotch, brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnut. Fruity and malt-based characteristics include bruised apple, caramelized plantain, banana, ripe peach, lemon peel, honey, and toasted sourdough. Finally, hints of smoke and tobacco add some balance.
Nikka Whisks From the Barrel has long been a solid value in the Japanese whisky category. In 2018, it was awarded Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate. It was also launched that year in the US, bumping up from 500 ml to a more standard 750 ml volume. Prices of this blended Nikka have been inching up, but its still a borderline good buy for the quality. Prices start around $80.
Its important to note that some of the whisky in From the Barrel comes from Scotland, likely the Nikka-owned Ben Nevis Distillery. Nikkas Yoichi and Miyagikyo produce the remaining malt and grain whiskies in this blend.
Check out my Nikka from the Barrel review to learn more.
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