Nikka From The Barrel

Launched in the mid-1980s, Nikka From the Barrel (NFTB) is a “go to” everyday Japanese Whisky for many. While most modern Japanese whiskies clock in between 40-45% alcohol by volume (ABV), NFTB boldly reaches for 51.4%. Apparently, that’s 90 Proof in Ye Olde England, so not as random as it may seem.  (For extra credit, if you want to solve Her Majesty’s Proofage multiplier, consider that Glenfarclas 105 is 60% ABV.)  Lastly, not only is it complex and delicious with over 100 unique whiskies in the blend, NFTB is a bargain AND available…at least, outside the United States.

Limited Edition
3000ml  (2014)

North Americans usually discover NFTB when someone else brings it back from some far-off land.  When that happened for me, I was hooked.  Thereafter, whenever myself or a friend was visiting Europe or Japan, it’s a guarantee that we would be bringing back as many of those 500ml block-shaped bottles as we could.  But that wasn’t enough, so ordering it online and often was the next step down a slippery slope.  By the time I discovered that Nikka had released a whopping 3 Liter Edition in Europe in 2014 to celebrate Nikka’s 80th Anniversary, I HAD to have it! I mean, it comes with its own custom glass valinch, for crying out loud. But the real question was when would this glorious whisky finally be made available in the United States?

At last, in the fall of 2018, the first 750ml bottling of NFTB hit the US for around $65.  Fans snatched it up and it was quickly sold out at the major chains.  Next, it was allocated, which resulted in higher prices.  And then Whisky Advocate Magazine named it their Whisky of the Year to guarantee that it would be impossible to find!  Hopefully Nikka produces enough to meet demand soon. And that hoarders stop hoarding. And that bloggers stop mentioning how tasty and affordable it is.  D'oh!

So why did it take so long for Nikka to accommodate the US market with this product? The first thing that comes to mind is the current scarcity of Japanese-distilled whisky in general. But this is a blend after all, and Nikka’s whisky shortages really only apply to their single malt selections.  Moreover, that would not have even been a factor to consider 5+ years ago.  Additionally, Nikka Coffey Grain has been available for years, so why not the superior NFTB?

I think it comes down to volume and tradition.  Part of NFTB's appeal is that it is a half liter brick of whisky and has always followed that format, saving a few special one-off releases like the aforementioned 3L behemoth.  However, 500ml bottles are not currently acceptable for spirits in these United States, nor has it been since the 1980s. It took a while, but Anchor/Hotaling Imports must have finally convinced Nikka to create a 750ml block bottle for North America.

And finally, much to my (and I'm sure almost everyone's) surprise, 2018 was NOT the first time that Nikka From The Barrel was distributed in the USA. NFTB was actually available back in the late 1980s. The 500ml format was outlawed in the United States in the middle of 1989, but not before Wine of Japan Imports released a few cases.  Who knew??  So, after a 30 Year absence, welcome back, Nikka From The Barrel!  Now get back on our shelves!!