Japanese whisky distiller – Nikka Whisky – is celebrating 90 years, releasing a never-beforeseen blend made with whiskies from each of the past nine decades.

The Nikka Nine Decades unique blended whisky is so rare that less than 100 bottles are for sale in Australia, and it will retail for around $3,500

It will also be available by the dram at selected venues, so whisky lovers can experience the taste without the bottle price tag.

Nine Decades is made from more than 50 components from six Nikka-owned distilleries. The oldest whiskies are from the 1940s and 50s, from the original Yoichi distillery. It also has 1960s whiskies from Miyagikyo in Japan and Ben Nevis in Scotland.

These touches are a tribute to Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru, the first Japanese person to travel to Scotland and learn the complex techniques still used today, such as Coffey still distillation and the art of blending. Known as the father of Japanese Whisky, Masataka Taketsuru produced the first authentic Japanese whisky.

Scotland was also where Masataka fell in love, marrying and returning to Japan with his Scottish wife Rita, who continued to influence Masataka’s creations for many years.

Nine Decades combines malted barley, coffey grain, coffey malt, unmalted barley, corn and rye. Malt whisky carries this blend, which follows the trend of the Nikka brand.

The oldest whisky in the blend is a 1945 Yoichi single malt whisky.

Skilled blending perfectly integrates unique and cherished whiskies. Non-chill filtered for a rich body and deep complexity, Nine Decades sits at 48% ABV.

Only 4,000 bottles are available worldwide.

Nikka Brand Ambassador Marcus Parmenter said: “The Nikka Nine Decades showcases the artful blending that Nikka has pioneered over our 90 year history, and it delivers that journey to the consumer. Through this whisky you can see all the way from our humble beginnings to our exciting present and get lost in the stories that we’ve made along the way.”

“If this is 90 years, I can’t wait to see what our future holds.”

The Nikka Nine Decades is presented in an individual gift box with the names and signatures of current and past master blenders, along with a special booklet that explains each decade’s whisky.
Bottles will be available in short supply or by the dram at locations including: Whisky Alement – VIC Whisky Den – VIC RACV Club – VIC Boom Boom Room – QLD Artesian Hospitality – QLD Ralph Louis Frederick – SA Sake – NSW Casa De Vinos – VIC

Victorian whisky lovers can sample Nine Decades at a special night at Whisky Alement on 19 November. Tickets are $120. Contact www.whiskyandale.com.au

About Nikka Whisky: Nikka Whisky, founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, stands as a pioneer in Japanese whisky. Taketsuru’s journey to Scotland to study the art of whisky-making influenced Nikka’s establishment and approach. Embracing both pot still and column still methods, Nikka crafts a diverse range of distinct and balanced whiskies. The brand’s dedication to quality and tradition has solidified its global reputation, making Nikka a symbol of Japanese whisky excellence for nine decades.

For more information contact HeadlinePR: Lisa Gilbert lisa@headlinepr.com.au or 0412 822673