Nikka Coffey Grain, a Bourbon drinkers Japanese Whisky?

The Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky is one that you've probably seen on the shelves and possibly been tempted to buy because of it's low price but don't be fooled... this one's not everything that a Japanese whisky is meant to be...
0:00 - Opening
0:45 - History
1:53 - The Whisky
4:07 - Nosing
5:15 - Taste
6:59 - Overall
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[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Have you tried Nikka before? Do you prefer the Coffey Grain or the Coffey Malt?

[@bojohansson2298]

I really prefer the Coffey malt, but I've found it harder to come by.

[@JonasFKP]

Coffey Malt is great, Coffey Grain is ok!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Sounds like I need to get the coffee malt!

[@ivancoppola8551]

I haven't tried the Coffey grain but I have a Coffey malt... To me it is a "try it". It's expensive compared to age statement whiskies or any well known Japanese or Scotch whisky. Nonetheless it has something special. It's very fruity and citric (banana at first, then the after taste like lemon zest). It has a punch but it's not what you would expect in an old school traditional whisky. I do enojoy it though... It's a different experience. Give it a try, Bill!

[@djyoungg1]

It’s one of my favorites to get in the summer because it is so odd and subverts expectations. Definitely something I enjoy in hot day

[@JordanSamo]

Whoah. This reinforces how subjective taste can be. I absolutely love this stuff and it came out on top of a massive blind tasting. To each their own!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Surprising to me. It tastes like Forty Creek... which I'm not a huge fan of, but lots of folks like it.

[@RaccoonLegend]

I absolutely AGREE. This is one of the BEST whiskies I've ever had. Thank you Nikka. 🙏🏼

[@dalewilliams7931]

100 percent agree... firstly he harps on about the price. That's irrelevant for us non US viewers... I picked up a litre bottle in duty free for the same price as a mass produced single malt. To each their own I guess.

[@keithhellyer4565]

Definitely agree, one of the best whiskies in our collection of 70+ bottles

[@jcurbin305]

I agree. I like it, but I do like Coffey Malt better.

[@gastonwhite1]

I really like it. It’s a perfect summer sipping whiskey in my opinion.

[@billwallace1199]

Have to disagree with you on this one Bill. I really like this bottle and compared with the age stated Japanese whisky available right now it is very affordable!

[@21jordanlee]

I agree to disagree, it's my favorite whiskey right now. It's worth every penny imo. Great video explaining though. 👌

[@alans4948]

Same here. This whiskey is one of my favorites!

[@cambyrne3696]

Was just gifted this, absolutely fantastic in my opinion. I was really pleasantly surprised

[@RaccoonLegend]

Same here! I feel like most people who love this whiskey did not try it deliberately. Like you said, a very pleasant surprise. 👍🏼

[@tommyhavoctv3350]

I love both the Grain and Malt Nikka Coffeys, they were my introduction into whiskey and I’m hooked. Was drinking ipa before and it made me so bloated.

[@philc1884]

Great review, just the right amount of history and detail. Never would've thought 95% corn. Can get it for just under $70 by me. As a big bourbon fan I think I'd be disappointed. Cheers!

[@21drakken]

Wow! Thanks for the review! I have almost bought this so many times and always passed it over. Glad I went with my gut based on the price.

[@thomasmcmahon4794]

Dude don't listen to this dude, look at all the positive reviews. It's a great sipping whiskey neat. I love it. A little on the sweet side but damn this is good. A tad expensive and a must for your collection.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Definitely an individual thing. I've tried it a few times since to see if I changed my mind. So far, nope

[@jackstone112]

aaaaah yes! my number 1 favorite whiskey! sooooo good, especilly for it's price!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Uh oh...

[@fotografi4fun]

Thank you. Will ignore this one. Will probably buy the Coffey Malt instead. 😊

[@N0neM0reBr0wn]

This is a top 3 favorite whiskey for me. Absolutely delicious.

[@gersonlenis5189]

Have U tried the barrel one?

[@barrygiddey9139]

Interesting review Bill 🥃

Go for the Nikka single malts. I was in Japan in 2018 and I bought a bottle of each of them: Yoichi and Miyagikyo. I still regret not having bought a few more bottles... They are very high quality and although they both taste wonderful my favorite is the lightly peated Yoichi. I can't recommend them enough! Looking forward to seeing a review on The Whisky Dictionary!

[@andrewschuschu3499]

Normally a bourbon guy- loved this one as well. Great summer drink!

[@alexanderlapp5048]

The corn to make that is probably shipped from the US to Japan. Then it's fermented, distilled, and aged on premium real estate, then shipped back and probably tariffs paid. It makes sense why that is so expensive. I am sure I could find something domestic for less that I would enjoy just as much. $70 is more than I would be normally willing to spend. Thanks for the review.

[@tallcan5112]

Got it on clearance at Walmart for $20 a bottle grabbed 4 still need to try

[@geoffdunn4912]

I haven't tried the grain yet, just the malt. I was a bit underwhelmed and while I don't regret trying it, I also don't have any desire to get it again, especially with the From the Barrel available for just a little more. There wasn't anything bad about it, I just was expecting more for the price. Hopefully the supply issues get sorted out soon.

[@alexcarter9242]

I prefer Coffey Malt over From the Barrel even though FTB is cheaper here.

[@astroboy3507]

Well I just ordered it so now I will see!!!😊✌

[@SanskarWagley]

Need to try more Japanese whiskey

[@cooprop]

Got my like on how good you pronounced Masataka Taketsuru! GK like you page.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thanks! I practiced

[@Voidward]

I really enjoyed it as someone who's not really a fan of whiskey. Anyone have recommendations for similar flavor from cheaper products? I didn't find any Canadian whiskeys I've had taste similar to this.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Forty Creek tastes VERY similar

[@Voidward]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Really? I don't recall it having a similar flavor. Maybe I'll try it and whatever variants they have here locally, since I'm in Canada. Thanks. Any bourbon recommendations?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

It's possible my memory isn't quite spot on. It's been years since I've had Forty Creek. As for bourbons? Depends. Do you drink bourbon often?

[@Voidward]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary No, I'm not even clear on the distinctions between whiskey and bourbon. I just tend to like simpler smooth drinks and sweet notes. Caramel vanilla, etc. You mentioned bourbon a lot so I figured there would be some analogue to this Nikka that's more affordable. Edit: I've tried Maker's Mark, I don't recall it being as enjoyable as this Nikka.

[@PinchHitterWhiskeyLounge]

Great video, Bill! I was looking for an starter Japanese whiskey, and this video tells me that this is not it. Any suggestions?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Good question... up until recently I'd say Nikka from the Barrel. I'm not a huge fan of Toki, personally. Hmm... maybe Hibiki Harmony. Unfortunately, all Japanese whiskies are expensive so it's hard to recommend

[@catman32000]

Toki is very good in the summer in their highball recipe (use Topo Chico, best bubbles). For neat consumption, Nikka From the Barrel or Hibiki Harmony are two good starters.

[@DanB0yD]

I just opened a bottle. I prefer this one over Miyagikio & Nikka From the barrel..so far my favorite Japanese whisky m

[@snakekingblues3017]

Which one taste better the grain one or the more pricy malt one?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Tough to say. I don't have the Malt one on hand but plan to review it this year

[@snakekingblues3017]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary sweet thx for the reply I should have seen this before i bought it lol

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Haha no problem. Let ME know If you have a different opinion

[@GEoDLeto]

I like Nikka Coffey, quite a bit and I remember a time long ago when it was 40 to 50 bucks and I had little issue buying it back then. However seeing it at 70 dollars and higher, that's a big nopity nope nope. It's nice but not that nice.

[@arakafafian]

Worth every penny

[@HeathHunter]

I think this was a joke, right? I tasted the whiskey this evening and it is excellent. I bought a bottle immediately. And will do it again.

[@johnkristian]

This taste: vanilla vanilla vanilla to me. And I LOVE it. I more or less hate the coffey MALT version, but the coffey grain version.... I LOVE IT! However. If you have a bottle that is about 1/3 - 1/4 left, and it stays likes that for a good while, it looses a lot of the vanilla and it becomes boring.

[@schuylersilverstein1935]

I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking vanilla vanilla vanilla lol people don't emphasize that enough on the Coffey Malt reviews. I tried this bourbon I can't believe 6 years ago at a bar in LA. Finally bought a bottle.

[@dun2001]

I came across your video.. It awesome Can you make more video about Japanese whisky ? 😀😀

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Definitely

[@FluffyAnvil]

Uh you got the whole thing backwards regarding coffey/column stills, efficiency and flavour? Also yes this whiskey is excellent for it's price.

[@Ryan-xw7dx]

Hey bill if you haven’t done a review of howler head yet I highly suggest it

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I'll take a look!

[@guyfrompei]

You nailed it. Throw in some oak and my tasting notes are the same. Like a higher quality Canadian.

[@djbeacon1942]

Bill, I enjoy the Coffey Grain and it is good value at $60 to 65. But enjoy the increased flavors and higher proof of the Nikka Whisky from the Barrel more than this Coffey Grain. Cheers!!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

The Nikka from the barrel is MUCH better imo

[@753Elliott]

I’m confused, isn’t one of the biggest benefits of the Coffey/Column still vs a pot still its efficiency?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

It's able to run 24 /7 but it's a lot of work to maintain and keep running

[@alexcarter9242]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary it also distills to a higher ABV than a pot still - which adds to the efficiency.

[@753Elliott]

​@cascode after this video i looked into more detail about the differences between the two, and my conclusion was this was an offhanded error in the review. on the bright side, it caused me to do a little research and learn more about whiskey.

[@catman32000]

You're right, I have had a better whiskey than this one this week. Ironically it was Nikka Straight From the Barrel. My tasting experience on this one was very similar to your's at first, but the more time I spent with it (and a few drops of water) the more notes I was able to pull out. It has a great buttery mouthfeel and taste. Reminded me of warm Hushpuppies dipped in honey butter, those bright orange circus peanuts, and maple glazed donut. Give it a try when you can let it sit for a while and really open up and add a drop or two of water. I agree with you on the price. I bought the Straight From the Barrel for the same $70 and it is twice the whisky that this one is. I like the Coffey Grain, but doubt that it will be a re-buy.

[@Da_Publick]

From The Barrel is now 'Whisky Of Japan.'

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Got to admit your pronunciation of Masataka Taketsuru is better than mine.... and I speak Klingon!

[@vincentvalera346]

I was about to get a bottle.. Costs about 70usd over here.

[@enricojaun2880]

Thanks! Sounds like a pass to me! I just got an ecbp for that price

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Mmm which one?

[@enricojaun2880]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary oddly, i found a place that got c920 in yesterday. Snagged an extra for me and one for a buddy. Hope it beats out a121... not too impressed with that one so far.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Good to know. I'll avoid it

[@swissviking2265]

I really agree with you on the fake caramel flavour.

[@TheNewMailman]

Woooo

[@gabrielcarrillo9964]

Only a real friend will be that brutally honest 😅

[@gamebred26]

This stuff is really good...as stated in the other comments. This stuff is legit.

[@smashexentertainment676]

We pay 30% less import taxes, so price is not a big concern here. This bottle has a different funk from anything I have and I like it for that reason. I'm pretty sure it's even cheaper than $42 in Japan. Since you can find Nikka from the Barrel for under $30 there.

[@2000atlanticgt]

A year later but I can confirm current prices in Japan at current exchange rates are ~$50/bottle.

[@smashexentertainment676]

@@2000atlanticgt Exchange rates gone crazy in the last year. Here in EU I can still find Nikka from the Barrel for 35 EUR/USD, and Nikka Coffey for 50. In a regular stores tho it can be up to 75% more expensive. So you need to know the cheapest places to get the best price.

[@dennis85573]

Correct me if Iam wrong.I thought that the majority of Canadian blended whiskeys are bourbons.The regulation state that they can only be labelled as boubon if they're made in the USA.

[@stewartpress8586]

As always I love the in depth education into the whiskey and distillery. I must say a client brought me a bottle from Japan several years back as it’s not available in Canada and it is quite good but I agree I well over paid at $100 a bottle

[@ericstanley8003]

Thank you for saving me $70. To me it is just as important to know what to leave as what to buy.

[@gianniverschueren870]

Do note that is just the experience of a single reviewer. Never base your opinion or buying strategy off of what just one person is saying. You may be missing out on something you really like as a result. Find a handful of reviewers at least and look for the consensus opinions

[@smashexentertainment676]

@@gianniverschueren870 That's so true. I heard a ton of good stuff from reviewers and Whiskey Dic as well about Woodford Reserve and absolutely hated it. Maker's Mark is usually portrayed as mediocre beginners bourbon, but for me it was the best ever. Taste is absolutely subjective. Tho $70 is almost twice the MSRP, so I'd be pretty bummed wasting that much on import taxes and not the product itself.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I think I gave a generally good opinion of MM however I also loved Woodford. So you're right. Totally subjective.

[@gianniverschueren870]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Oh it was a great review, please don't get me wrong. And you're far from the only person who has given this particular dram a thumbs down.

[@ericstanley8003]

I think it's important to find reviewers that have a similar palate as you do. Bill has a similar taste as me so I trust his opinion. That doesn't mean if I get the opportunity to taste it at a bar or something I would pass. Just means I don't buy a bottle blindly.

[@edovan6964]

I really love both coffey malt and grain. But, like $70 there, they are sold for $100 in South east asia. too much for nas nor cask str.

[@Watchman999]

I might say this is mediocre one day and absolutely chug it another day. I bought this for $50 USD in Canada and I really like it but I have to be in the right mood for it. Being a peathead this is not the first thing I reach for. But I am happy to reach for it when I am looking for something like this. You should watch a review of CB Hedonism and think about those notes when you review this and this will perform better than Hedonism (just).

[@Caliban_80]

That's the consensus on Japanese whisky. I love Hibiki Harmony but not for over $50

[@gianniverschueren870]

Strongly, strongly disagree with this take. Depending on where you live Harmony may be as little as half the price of a JW Blue, and it is a much, much superior blend. I haven't tasted a better one. I'd kill for a bottle for $75

[@Caliban_80]

@@gianniverschueren870 I mean, I got it at $80 because I heard good things. I did enjoy it very much. I would take JW green over it any day. I know the flavor profiles are 100 miles apart but I know I'm getting 15+ year old malts for my $55 with the JW.

[@gianniverschueren870]

​@@Caliban_80 I can't find a bottle of Harmony under $150 where I live, but I know people who can get it for $100. JW Blue will set me back $185 minimum. And your Harmony will most likely include much older malts than 15 years, just like the JW. That said, I do also really enjoy the Green--much more than the Blue, which smells amazing but doesn't taste like 200 bucks to me.

[@Justmario262]

At $70 I bought two. It’s by far my personal favorite Japanese whiskey. I’ve seen it for as much as $250 a bottle for no age statement version.

[@2000atlanticgt]

@@gianniverschueren870 I'm currently in Japan and it is also ~$100/bottle for the Hibiki Harmony. I recently toured the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery where they shared that the Harmony does indeed include some amount of their 30 year aged product. I was able to try the Hibiki Blenders Choice, Hibiki 21 year, and the Hibiki 30 year. It was a treat for sure!

[@redboxes]

It is a Canadian whisky inside it, so you absolutely right.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thats bizarre. I didn't see anything about that in my research.

[@redboxes]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary yes i know, that's why they now try to clean this mess in Japan

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I'm happy they are

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

So you got me wondering and I had to look into it. This whisky meets all criteria for current Japanese standards, so it's not coming from Canada

[@alans4948]

I disagree...This is one of my favorites. Now days this one is hard to find.

[@tonypyare]

I’ve seen a 12 year old Nikka Coffeey whiskey here in Japan. Couldn’t afford it so I only stared haha

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Wonder if it was any good... probably

[@cryptikkitpyrc5690]

Out of curiosity, how much was it?

[@Von_Fishman]

I agree with the ignore it on this one. To me it tastes like corn syrup that an IHOP or similar would give you for pancakes. I was gifted a bottle of this and I honestly feel bad because someone spent $60+ on it. If this wasn't Japanese i feel like it would be closer to 30. However I have given this to newer whiskey people and they enjoyed the smooth caramel character, so maybe that's the ideal market for it. Anyway thanks for the review!

[@micway71]

My brother has been on my ass for a week to buy some of this. I sure hope your review is way off to his opinion and most other reviewers. I absolutely love single malt scotch. Your review slammed it. I am not a fan of Canadian whiskey. Pendleton or Crown, neither are special. Good scotch, however, is! I will return after trying that expensive bottle I bought and let you know if I agree or disagree.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@micway71]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary something has to be off with your taste buds! This stuff is delicious! Everything was done right! Has nice clean taste. Reminds me of a great scotch with no peat!! Each to his own! It took me 30 years to start liking scotch.

[@micway71]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary when I first tried Monkey Shoulder I was like this stuff is decent. Now I actually like it! After drinking the Nikka about a quarter of the bottle, I do believe you are spot on with your review. The stuff is way too sweet for my tastes. It’s not a bad drink, certainly not worth the price point. So I digress and regress… I agree with your review.

[@jcurbin305]

Simply put, if you like bourbon, you'll like this.

[@marcwhiskey]

I remember trying this at a bar a couple of years ago and I just remember sweet brown sugar. You're right with the similarty to Canadian, but like better Canadian. From memory I'd compare to Forty Creek Copper Pot with less metallic vanilla.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

That came to mind for me as well but not until after I finished filming

[@steveno7058]

I think the disconnect here is this should be judged as a single grain whisky. This isn’t a Bourbon or a single malt. Single grains are a different animal.

[@mamuka1977]

They both really great, I like coffey grain more. But then again if you like sweeter whiskey you probably going to like malt. Generally I really like Nikka stuff (exception is Nikka days). A lot of times people just confused with a name on the bottle and thinking there is somehow coffee involved in it. I cant even tell you how many times in the store I explain people that there is no coffee inside of that whiskey and it's just a steel they're using to distill it.

[@smashexentertainment676]

I've seen two Russian alcoholics reviewing Coffey and they actually found a taste of coffee inside. lmao.

[@alexcarter9242]

Still* not steel.

[@dominiccummings1893]

From a personal viewpoint, I've always enjoyed the Nikka whiskies I've tried, more so than Suntory whiskies I've had. Certainly overpriced, but not unenjoyable. Nikka has found itself caught up in the backlash surrounding what can be currently labelled as Japanese whisky, but to their credit on their English language website they have actually labelled all the whiskies in their range as either currently meeting all the standards to be Japanese whisky that are being introduced, or as whiskies that do not currently meet that standard i.e. they contain whisky imported from Scotland or Canada (or possibly other locations, but predominantly those two, and with Nikka it is likely from the Ben Nevis distillery in Scotland due to having shared ownership). This particular whisky actual does meet the requirements to be called Japanese whisky, but the Coffey malt whisky does not. The mash bill actually isn't too surprising, the mashbill for grain whisky going into scotch for example is not required to be a purely malted barley mash, a maize or wheat dominated mash is most likely purely for price reasons.

[@catman32000]

Am I understanding right that they can't call the Coffey Malt Japanese whiskey because at one time years ago they used mash from Ben Nevis and since it's a continuous still there is technically some traces of that in the final product? Or are they still using some Ben Nevis currently?

[@dennis85573]

I agree it's definitely overpriced should sell for 30 bucks.

[@russellepstein7978]

Coffey refers to a Coffey Still, not coffee.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Do I not tall about that in the video? I'd be surprised as that's the whole point.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Yup, I totally do. I talk about it right at the 2 minute mark