Nikka Super Rare Old Whisky

What it is

Part of Nikka's Super Nikka line, a blended whisky sold mainly in the Japanese domestic market. Super Nikka dates back to 1962, when Masataka Taketsuru is said to have created it after his wife Rita died, and the range has gone through many bottlings and label variations since. Specifications differ between them.

Where it comes from

Nikka publishes compliance status for its current lineup on its own website, distinguishing products that meet the Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association definition from those that don't. We haven't located a statement covering this particular bottling.

What's worth knowing is the pattern. Across Nikka's range, the single malts and Taketsuru clear the standard, while the blends frequently don't: From The Barrel, Days, Coffey Malt and the Black Nikka line all carry the negative statement. Domestic value blends are the category most likely to contain imported whisky. Treat this one as unconfirmed rather than assuming either way, and check Nikka's site for the current bottling.

How it's made

Nikka's blends draw on malt from Yoichi and Miyagikyo and grain from the Coffey stills at Miyagikyo, alongside whisky selected from its wider reserves, which since 1989 has included Ben Nevis in Scotland. Cask detail for the Super Nikka range isn't published.

What to expect

Soft and easy, in the way Japanese domestic blends generally are. Expect light fruit, malt sweetness and a short finish, built for mizuwari and highballs rather than for neat sipping. Older bottlings vary considerably.

How it compares

Against Black Nikka Deep Blend, the Super Nikka range sits a tier above on presentation and usually on strength. Against Taketsuru Pure Malt, that's all malt and confirmed compliant. Against From The Barrel, that one is far more concentrated and Nikka states openly that it contains imported whisky.