Nikka Coffey Malt Japanese Whisky

Classification: Japanese Single Grain Whisky
Distillery: Nikka’s Miyagikyo Distillery
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Age: NAS
Proof: 90

Ah yes, the “Coffey” whisky—because what better way to confuse people than name it after a 19th-century still and not a cup of coffee? That’s right, Aeneas Coffey just had to go and link a bunch of pot stills together into two columns, because apparently simple distilling is for amateurs.

On the nose, it’s butterscotch. Like, a lot of butterscotch. So much that I started looking around for Werther’s Originals and a cardigan. Add in grapefruit, pecans, honey, oak—it’s basically Thanksgiving dessert without the awkward family arguments.

On the palate, you get molasses, fig newtons (yes, those fig newtons), bittersweet chocolate, and a dusting of spice. It’s smooth, mouth-coating, and dangerously easy to drink. Like, “this is definitely fine on a Tuesday” easy.

The finish gives you spice, anise, and just a touch of iodine hanging around a little longer than invited—like that one dinner guest who doesn’t realize you’ve already put on pajamas. But overall? Still a damn good time.

Bottom line: Coffey Malt is versatile, smooth, and sweet in that bourbon-meets-Japan kind of way. Neat, rocks, cocktails—it plays well with everyone.