From two sides of the Pacific ocean comes two distinct whiskies in two different styles…Nikka Japanese whisky and Old Potrero Rye whiskey.
Separated by an ocean
Whisky has become big business in Japan, and there are many great choices from which to choose. I recently had the good fortune to attend a Whisky Wednesday at Gordon’s DTX that not only featured Nikka Japanese whisky, but also offered a tasting of Old Potrero Rye Whiskey from Anchor Distilling & Importing in San Francisco. It was an interesting pairing…delicate malt then strong ryes, but it was worth it. Kelly McCarthy, the brand ambassador from Anchor Distilling, gave us what amounted to a Master class on each of these expressions, and I soaked it up (really…you really went there, huh!).
Here’s how Gordon’s introduced the evening, “Join Kelly McCarthy from Anchor Distilling and Importing as she walks us through a unique range of global whiskies. Anchor Distilling, in the heart of San Francisco, produces the unique pot still, 100% malted rye whiskey called Old Potrero. After we taste through that we will jump over to Japan with a few of the Nikka Coffey and Pure Malts. Anchor Importing represents Nikka Japanese Whisky here in the United States and Nikka is one of the top Japanese producers.”
[Side note: We actually tried the Nikka expressions first, followed by the Old Potrero. Good thing, too, as the high rye in the Old Potrero would have blown away my palate for the more delicate Nikka.]
Let’s talk history, Japanese whisky style
Kelly started by giving us a little history of whisky brewing in Japan, then a quickie lesson into the Coffey-type still used at Nikka. (I’ll summarize, but if you just want to skip ahead to the tasting notes, I’ll meet up with you there). In 1918, Masataka Taketsuru went to Scotland to study about making Scotch whisky. He came back to Japan to eventually become the first Japanese Master Distiller and founder of the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, both of which are under the Nikka brand. The Coffey (continuous column) stills used at Miyagikyo remove some of the impurities that a pot still would leave behind, thus giving the product an oily, sweeter texture and delicate flavor. In contrast, a pot still would make a more hearty, earthy whisky. Fun fact: it’s the Coffey still that makes vodka such a neutral alcohol.
Are you back with me? Eyes haven’t glazed over too much? Good…onto the tasting then!
Nikka Japanese Whisky & Old Potrero Rye Whiskey
At Gordon’s DTX, presented by Kelly McCarthy, December 6, 2017
(Note: the italicized notes below are from Anchor Distilling’s Portfolio Guide
Nikka Pure Malt
Tasting Notes
- Nose: red fruit, clover honey, hay, peaches, white chocolate
- Taste: light body, slightly oily, caramel and floral, slightly beachy and smoky
- Finish: the white pepper lays on the sides of the tongue, the slight medicinal note lingers
- Comments: lots of flavor layers because it’s a malted blend. The Yoichi side of the blend brings the beachy flavor (it sits on the water), while the Miyagikyo brings that Highland-like delicate flavor (as it’s up in the foothills of Japan). I like this one the best of the 3 Nikkas presented
Nikka Coffey Malt
Tasting Notes
- Nose: more pronounced caramel & grain aroma, tropical fruit (mango, banana)
- Taste: fudgy and sweet, med-light body, a bit of pine
- Finish: the evergreen notes fade slowly
- Comments: a more intense version of the Pure Malt, good layered complexity
Nikka Coffey Grain
Tasting Notes
- Nose: very tropical immediately, a little bit of coffee in the background, light brown sugar
- Taste: light body, corn sweetness, delicate flavor with no hint of spice
- Finish: the corn sweetness lasts and lasts
- Comments: a little too sweet, almost cloying (it’s 95% corn & 5% malted barley)
Old Potrero 18th Century Rye
Tasting Notes
- Nose: nutty, smoky, clove spice
- Taste: rye immediately then gingerbread afterwards, light body, some smokiness
- Finish: fades to a soft pine (almost juniper and brown sugar
- Comments: it hits you in the face...like eating a caraway seed (unless that’s because I just tasted it after the Japanese whisky), malted rye; It's really good!
Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey
Tasting Notes
- Nose: softer nose, lightly rye, honey
- Taste: soft rye entry, pepper rises halfway then falls
- Finish: the cloves rise at the end, a light sweet hazelnut at the end
- Comments: it’s an approachable rye, not intimidating at all
Both these brands are good representations of their respective styles, and I would recommend them highly. So take a leap from San Francisco to Japan across that little pond called the Pacific Ocean. You’ll be glad you did!
Wishing everyone a sweet, delicious holiday season…may your glass have a dram in it and good aromas comes from your oven!
Slainté! L’chaim! Cheers!
Tammy