There’s just one more full day until Santa arrives with lots of whisky for us to enjoy with family and friends while we share in the pleasures of Christmas Turkey with all the trimmings, but before that, we have two more of our favourite new releases for 2020 to look at! Today, it’s another excellent world blended whisky, this time from one of Japan’s biggest and most successful whisky producers. Of course, it’s the Nikka Session.

In recent times, Nikka have struggled to keep up with demand for their most popular expressions, such the Coffey Malt and Grain whiskies, and age-statement expressions from their Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. To their credit, they have managed to maintain some level of consumer interest throughout, with small batch limited edition releases, but these have been few and far between, and occasionally very pricey.

However, in late-September, Nikka took a leaf out of rival Suntory’s book with the release of a world blended whisky, and it was a real success.

Nikka Session

Coming in a stunning matte blue bottle, with musically inspired art and the title “Session” adorned across the label, this world blended whisky was created from spirit produced at the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, masterfully blended together with whisky from Scotland’s hugely famous Ben Nevis distillery.The provenance of the liquid is hard to argue with, hailing from what could be classed as three of the best distilleries in the world today. If we combine that with the fact that Nikka have been experts at creating delectable, complex and well-balanced blends for decades now, the Session ticks all the boxes. 

As Nikka’s first world blended whisky, it’s fitting that it should be a marriage of spirit from Japan and Scotland, 100 years on from the marriage of Nikka founder Mastataka Taketsuru, and his beloved Scottish wife, Rita Cowan. It’s a beautiful nod to those that made it all possible, while showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and a thriving industry at the same time.

According to Nikka, we can expect fresh aromas of oranges and apples, combined with a sweetness and fragrance of malt and gentle vanillins on the nose. The palate will bring a smooth and creamy tongue feel, alongside a beautiful blend of light sweetness and the soft fruitiness of oak. The finish is said to be slightly bitter with slowly fading peat.

The Nikka Session is a truly memorable release that really keeps us coming back for more time and time again. As a limited release specifically for the Japanese market, it is possible that bottles become much harder to find in the near future, but we have our fingers crossed for a second batch!

This was easily one of our favourite new releases of 2020, if you’ve not tried it yet, you’re seriously missing out. 

For the next 24 hours you can get your hands on the Nikka Session at a discounted price, saving over 10%! Simply click here to Buy Now.