New Arrivals
Nikka Coffey Malt is now imported to the states. Malted barley is distilled using the same Coffey type column still Nikka uses to make their Coffey Grain whisky at the Miyagikyo Distillery in Sendai, Japan. Located near the north eastern coast of Honshu island – the main island of Japan – the Miyagikyo distillery draws the water for its whisky from a pristine river that flows through the property. This very soft mineral free water is one of the keys to the softer, lighter style whiskies Miyagikyo is known for. Nikka Coffey Malt should not be confused with “single malts” or “blended malts”. It’s really its own thing with a unique flavor profile. Lively and tart on the nose, with hints of lemon, pear and even pepper, the palate continues with citrus as vanilla, coffee and praline develop, leading to a fruity finish.
We’ve known and enjoyed this whisky for a while but had to go to Japan to get it. Now it’s here for you to try care of Anchor Distilling – the importer for Nikka whiskies and a lot of other brands we love – and Southern Wine and Spirits Distributing. At Moshi Moshi you can enjoy it several ways:
In our new Nikka Highball
Nikka Coffey Malt whisky with a dash of Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao, a small amount of lemon juice and a bit of junmai sake, stirred and topped with soda water. A refreshing warm weather cocktail; the small amount of sake plays well with lemon, sugar and cacao – toning down the tart and sweet components – while not detracting from or diluting the natural flavors of the whisky.
By itself,
$8 for our 25ml pour, we recommend a few drops of water or an ice cube
Or, as part of a flight
NIKKAS WE LIKE
From the Barrel-Coffey Malt-Taketsuru 17
$38
Also from Japan, we have a new beer on tap: Hitachino’s Hinomaru.
This ale is brewed using Kaneko Golden malted barley and Japanese hops. After fermentation, fresh Fukure Mikan juice and peel is added along with fresh Sansho pepper. The use of Fukure Mikan and Sansho is subtle – these flavors don’t overpower or draw attention – but the way they work together with the malt and hops is transformative. Fruity and complex with just enough hops to give it some backbone, this is a perfect beer for Japanese food especially with grilled meats or tempura.
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