Nikka are one of Japan's most celebrated whisky producers, and their decision to make vodka in a Coffey still — the same continuous column still used for their acclaimed grain whiskies — was inspired. The Coffey still, named after its Irish inventor Aeneas Coffey, produces a spirit of particular smoothness and roundness, and those qualities translate beautifully to vodka.
The base is a blend of corn and barley, and the Coffey still distillation preserves more flavour congeners than a modern column still would, giving the spirit a subtle complexity that is immediately apparent. On the nose, there is a delicate sweetness — soft corn, gentle citrus and a whisper of malt — that is refined and inviting.
The palate is where this vodka truly excels. Beautifully smooth and rounded, with corn sweetness and a hint of vanilla, there is an almost oily, silky texture that coats the mouth luxuriously. The barley contributes a gentle maltiness that adds depth without heaviness, and the overall impression is of a spirit crafted with the same meticulous attention that Nikka bring to their whisky.
The finish is long, smooth and gently warming — composed and elegant, with a lingering sweetness that fades gracefully. This is a vodka for the whisky drinker, offering layers of flavour and texture that reward careful attention. Serve it neat at room temperature, or in the most precise Martini you can construct. Quite simply outstanding.
