Single malt whiskey | KRG Hospitality

Nikka Age Statement Whiskey Returns to US

by David Klemt

After an eight-year hiatus, Nikka is bringing age-statement whisky back to the United States, starting with Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old.

Operators with robust whisky programs, their guests, and collectors will recall what happened back in 2015. That was the year that Nikka’s Yoichi age statement whisky line was shelved. The Yoichi portfolio’s stars—10, 12, 15 and 20 Year Old whiskies—were replaced by an expression labeled “No Age Statement.”

Interestingly, we can trace the withdrawal of age-statement Japanese whisky and disappearance of iconic bottles to the 1980s. In response to a slowdown in demand, Japanese distillers reduced production. While that move helped deal with the drop in demand and sales, there would be consequences decades later.

Eventually, the world discovered some of the most iconic whiskies on the planet: Hibiki 12 and 17, Yamazaki 12 and 18, and the aforementioned Yoichi 15 and 20.

Of course, the rabid demand for Japanese age statement whiskies resulted in an extinction event, of sorts. The reduced production that gave the world some of the most amazing luxury whiskies ever known, coupled with intense (and likely unforeseen) demand, eventually put distilleries in dire straits.

Simply put, Japanese distillers needed time to replenish their precious liquids. So, for several years, whisky lovers have been waiting for new aged-statement whiskies from Japan. Around 2017, articles and blog posts started sounding the alarm. Whisky experts told us we’d have to wait at least five years to see the return of age-statement expressions. And, as Nikka’s announcement shows, they were right.

To be clear, no-age-statement expressions have proven themselves compelling portfolio-mates during our wait. However, seeing a bonafide return to age statement whiskies is exciting.

Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old

Not only is Nikka returning to age statements, they’re paying tribute with this 10-year-old release, a brand-new addition to the portfolio. Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old commemorates Yoichi Distillery attaining “Important Cultural Properties” status.

More specifically, ten buildings on the grounds of Yoichi Distillery earned this important designation. Ten buildings, ten years of aging.

“We are honored for the Yoichi Distillery to receive this designation from Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs. This designation helps ensure we will pass on the history of Japanese whisky to future generations,” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky global marketing and sales general manager. “To celebrate this special honor, we welcomed the return of Nikka Whisky aged statements and released the Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old, a new expression created by the current blenders.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nikka Whisky (@nikkawhiskyusa)

This new, 45-percent ABV expression will be available in limited quantities. However, Nikka says the production will be “ongoing” and release on an annual basis. The suggested retail price is $175.

“A momentous moment for Nikka Whisky, we are so excited to bring the release of Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old to the US,” says Dan Leese, CEO and president of Hotaling & Co. “As Nikka Whisky looks to celebrate its 90^th anniversary in 2024, this release is a testament to their historical significance in the world of whisky and a preview of what’s to come as they continue to build and enrich their traditional range.”

Momentous, indeed. I’m eager to see more age-statement expressions become available throughout North America. Yoichi 10 is a fantastic start.

Image: Nikka Whisky

5 Single Malts for International Whiskey Day

by David Klemt

In case it isn’t yet obvious, March is full of an array of wonderful cocktail and spirits holidays perfect for restaurants and bar promotions.

So, it’s pretty impressive that we can end this month with International Whiskey Day. Or, if you prefer, International Whisky Day.

Wondering which you should use, “whiskey” or “whisky”? Well, there’s a (mostly) accepted method for distinguishing the two.

As some spirits aficionados and historians explain it, if a country has the letter “E” in its name, so should the word “whiskey.” No “E”? Then it’s “whisky.”

Or, and this may be controversial, you can just use whichever you prefer. Or perhaps use the spelling that’s on your favorite label. Alternately, if executing a promotion with a sponsor, ask their preference and use it.

At any rate, we all get to celebrate uisce beatha (Irish) or uisge beatha (Scottish) on Sunday, March 27.

Below you’ll find some suggestions for bottles to showcase on International Whisk(e)y Day. Cheers!

American Whiskey

Obviously, there’s a glaring issue with trying to choose a single bottle of whiskey to represent the US. In short, there are dozens (at a minimum) of bottles from which to choose.

So, to make things easier (on me, I suppose), I’m limiting this list to single malts. Look, I had to draw a line somewhere.

Honestly, this doesn’t make things incredibly simple. You may find it surprising to learn that the US has the American Single Malt Whiskey Commission (ASMWC). Not only that, but the commission has nearly 100 members.

To promote and protect American single malt, the ASMWC defines this whiskey as:

made from 100-percent malted barley;
produced at one distillery;
mashed, distilled and matured in the US;
matured in 700-liter or smaller oak casks;
distilled to no more than 160 proof (80-percent ABV); and
bottled at 80 proof or more (40-percent ABV).

There are, thankfully, several dozen bottles to choose from to represent American single malt whiskey. For my list, I’m selecting Westward American Single Malt Whiskey Cask Strength.

Produced in Portland, OR, this double-gold winner is the 125-proof version of Westward’s original single malt whiskey. Bold, assertive, rich, and complex, this bottle embodies this American whiskey category.

Canadian Whisky

When it comes to whisky, Canada is known for its blends. Canada’s whiskey world is also known for bold but smooth rye.

However, there are distillers paying homage to their Scottish roots and traditions. These masters of their craft are working hard to put single-malt Canadian whiskies on the map.

In particular, craft distillers in Vancouver are producing single malts that deserve the world’s time and attention.

Now, when it comes to Canadian single malt, I’m a neophyte. However, I believe you and your guests will appreciate my selection.

Commodore Canadian Single Malt Whisky is crafted by Odd Society Spirits. The distillery is located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Compellingly, Commodore is produced with malted barley grown in BC. Weighing in at 92 proof, expect pepper and tobacco on the palate, balanced with dark fruit and sweetness.

Irish Whiskey

Another country known for its blends is Ireland. Jameson, Bushmills, Red Breast, Powers… Each distillery produces world-famous, revered blends.

However, Ireland crafted several styles of whiskey over the course of many centuries. Single malts were certainly among them.

Of course, that style fell to wayside as the thousands of distilleries in Ireland shut down decades ago. Luckily, some modern-era distilleries are tapping into centuries of Irish distillation history.

Among these is Glendalough Distillery, our guest for episode 71 of the Bar Hacks podcast. Co-founder Donal O’Gallachoir reveals their latest expression, an Irish single malt finished in exceedingly rare Japanese mizunara casks.

So, for my Irish single malt selection, I choose Glendalough 7-Year-Old Mizunara Finished. You can learn more about this bottle and Glendalough listening to the podcast linked above or reading this article.

Scottish Whisky

If it’s difficult to choose just one American single malt whiskey, it’s nearly impossible to land on only a single single malt Scotch.

Do I choose the highest age statement (and an immense price tag)? Is the smart move the “most accessible” bottle? A peat monster?

What about the most traditional bottle? The most experimental? In the end, I opted for a single malt whisky that falls into the latter category.

At this point, we expect to see Oloroso sherry, port, and bourbon cask finishes. What’s a bit more unusual is a rum cask finish.

So, I’m going with the Balvenie Caribbean Cask. This 14-year-old single malt spends 14 years maturing in American oak casks. Then, it’s finished in ex-rum barrels.

The result is a unique and compelling whisky with notes of banana, cocoa, brown sugar, fresh fruit, and toffee.

Australian Whisky

When he started Starward, founder David Vitale had one mission: Craft the whisky that would come to define the entire category. No pressure.

To accomplish this mission, Vitale and company aim to capture Australia’s terroir in every bottle of every expression.

Their barley is sourced in Australian. Local malt masters (malters? maltsters?) malt said barley. The yeast comes from local Australian brewers.

And it doesn’t stop there. Any ingredient used to craft Starward Whisky must be within one day’s drive of the distillery. That distillery is located in Melbourne.

Why Melbourne? Because it’s the Foodie Capital of Australia. Why does that matter? Because Starward is also meant to be enjoyed with food.

You can learn more about Starward and David Vitale on episode 63 of Bar Hacks.

So, which bottle did I choose? Starward’s very first whisky, the single malt Starward Solera. If you and your guests want to experience Australian single malt, this is where to start.

You really can’t go wrong with any of these bottles. If you’re celebrating International Whiskey Day, life is great. Enjoy!

Image: Glendalough Distillery