It appears that Nikka Whisky is confident enough to introduce another expression to its US line up. Interestingly though it is a grain whisky release instead of a malt or even a blended release (wouldn’t we all love to see Nikka From the Barrel here in the US?). It has not been officially announced by Nikka Whisky or their importer Anchor Distilling Co. but Nikka looks poised to release their Coffey Grain expression here shortly as it has recently cleared the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) labeling certification process. This coincides with Nikka’s recent launch of a regular (not special single cask) release of the Coffey Grain in Japan.
The Coffey Grain derives its name from the Coffey still that is used to distill the grain spirit – not from anything remotely related to coffee. Nikka imported its Coffey still from Scotland in 1963 and it now resides in its Miyakikyou Distillery. This will be a non-age statement release and is anticipated to come in at 45% ABV. I don’t have any word on what the price point will be at this time.
We have tried Nikka’s Single Coffey Grain and quite enjoyed it but it was a different animal from what this regular release will be. It will be interesting to see how drinkers react to a Japanese grain whisky – maybe Nikka has its sights set on taking some of the popular cocktail market with this release. Either way I am glad that Nikka is moving towards introducing more of its expressions to the US market.
*label photos from TTB application approval*
The WhiskyWall 
Excellent news!
I’d think that even if Nikka didn’t intentionally have its sights set on taking some of the popular cocktail market the cocktail market would reversibly have its sights set on using Nikka’s Coffey Grain whisky regardless. Grain whiskies that have the character of Nikka appear to be Chic at present when it comes to the cocktail world.
It’ll be interesting to taste what kind of character the blenders decided to go with on this release – since I have only had the single releases from the past.
Strange choice
I have to agree with you given their existing line up. Suntory is doing well in the cocktail scene here in the States though so this might be their best bet to get a piece of that market.