On paper Nikka Whisky From The Barrel is a blend containing 40% single malt whiskies from the Miyagikyo and Yoichi distilleries and 60% Coffey grain spirit from their various stills. With that in mind, I thought I’d revisit the little cuboid bottle in the back of my whisky cabinet and generously sample this naughty little number. Whilst the new regs don’t come into effect for another 3 years, Nikka have already made a statement and have updated their website setting out which of their spirits will no longer be classed as “Japanese Whisky” and that includes their flagship blend Nikka Whisky From The Barrel – though the exact reasons why have not been officially communicated. The regulations will apply to those entities that have signed up to the association and that includes Japanese Whisky’s biggest names in Suntory and Nikka. ‘Japanese Whisky’ Requirements from the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association
The rules look at the provenance of the spirits, how they are distilled, how they are matured and how they are bottled. The premise is similar to the rules that protect what can be labelled as “scotch whisky” under European legislation and practices by the Scotch Whisky Association. The new regulations set out to put tighter restrictions around which spirits can call themselves Japanese whisky. Well, in February 2021, a new set of rules were issued by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association. Yep, you read that right: the world-renowned whisky from Japan will no longer be called Japanese Whisky. A couple of weeks ago, Nikka Whisky From The Barrel – one of the world’s best selling Japanese whiskies – lost its ability to actually call itself a “Japanese Whisky”.
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