Nikka Coffey Gin / 47% / 0.7l

Nikka Distilling Company is the second largest (after Suntory) alcoholic beverage market player in Japan.

It has two distilleries in Japan, Yoichi and Miyagikyo, and one in Scotland, Ben Nevis. In 1963, Nikka purchased Coffey-designed distillation columns in Scotland and a year later, in October 1964, began distilling grain whisky at the Nishinomiya distillery for use in its own blends. In 1999, it was decided to move the columns to its sister plant, Miyagikyo, and to distill in stills and columns in parallel. This is also where the extraordinary Nikka Coffey gin comes from. Its formula contains both ingredients typical of most gins, as well as unique Japanese citrus fruits – yuzu, kabosu (a combination of lime and yuzu), amanatsu (reminiscent of grapefruit) and shikuwasa (a sour citrus from Okinawa). Traditional botanicals include juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, orange and lemon peel, Japanese pepper and tart apple. The base of the gin is a spirit distilled from corn and barley.

Nikka Coffey Gin is one of the most citrusy gins we’ve come across – oranges, Meyer lemons, lemon zest, and subtle juniper and herbal notes. We recommend serving it with just ice or premium tonic with a wedge of green apple and a sprig of mint. It’s great in Gimlet and Salty Dog cocktails.