Nikka is celebrating its 90^th anniversary this year, and in honour of reaching this remarkable milestone will be partnering with bars and retailers across the UK throughout autumn. The brand will present 90 Days of Nikka: a series of exciting events, dedicated menus and partnerships starting this September.

Founded by Masataka Taketsuru in 1934, Nikka has achieved global acclaim for the exceptional quality of its spirits and its dedication to craftsmanship. Taketsuru travelled to Scotland in 1918 to learn the art of whisky-making, returning to Japan two years later with his new Scottish wife, Rita, and an arsenal of traditional Scotch production techniques which he blended with Japanese precision and attention to detail to create Nikka. In recognition of the prodigious success of this venture, Taketsuru is often referred to as “The Father of Japanese Whisky”.  

Whisky enthusiasts will have the chance to immerse themselves in the world of Nikka through a variety of events, from a ‘How to Highball’ masterclass that teaches guests how to master the classic serve, to a food pairing experience that sees the Nikka range paired with different sushi and other Japanese delicacies.

The brand will also take part in London Cocktail Week, taking place from the 3^rd – 13^th October.

Key partners and events for the 90 Days of Nikka are as follows:

TT – From September, the East London venue and shop will be running a cocktail menu and hosting various events showcasing the best of Nikka. From dedicated cocktails to cinema nights, there will be plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the brand story.

Shochu Lounge, ROKA – The bar will take part in London Cocktail Week with a dedicated Nikka Cocktail menu running from 3rd until 13th October. Whisky tastings will also take place throughout the week, allowing guests to try various Nikka expressions.

The signature cocktails will also be available upstairs at ROKA Charlotte St.

Kioku Bar (Creative Restaurant Group) – Kioku Bar will launch a three-month partnership with Nikka comprising of cocktail listings and events. A series of bar takeovers will take place during London Cocktail Week on 3rd and 10th October with The Milk Thistle (Bristol) and the bar team of Shinji (NYC).

Additionally, Kioku Bar will host events later in the autumn focused on tea and whisky, as well as sake pairing curated by their in-house sake sommelier, Anthony Yukio, and whisky ambassador Mikey Pendergast.

Aqua Kyoto – Aqua Kyoto’s creative Bar Manager Camilo Jimenez has created an exclusive range of delectable Nikka cocktail serves, including a Masataka Sour amongst three additional offerings. These will be available throughout the 90 Days of Nikka campaign and London Cocktail Week. Expect an additional program of consumer and trade focused events, including a Nikka dinner pairing and a highball Masterclass experience.

8 at The Londoner – Launching on 9 September and available until 2 November will be a dedicated Nikka menu of three elevated cocktails crafted by the venue’s bar team in celebration of the brand’s milestone anniversary. It will include a twist on a classic Gimlet using Nikka Coffey Gin and a vibrant highball with Nikka Coffey Vodka, each highlighting the intricate flavours of the spirits. The menu will also feature a sophisticated twist on an Old Fashioned using Nikka Days.

Kwant – An exclusive Omakase menu will be running for three months, complemented by a food pairing event during London Cocktail Week.

Dram bar in Soho will be hosting a trade event on the 4^th of November.

OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie will launch a dedicated Nikka menu for London Cocktail Week, which will also include two cocktails: Kumori made with Nikka Coffey Vodka, and Kiiro with Nikka Coffey Grain, exclusively available from 3^rd – 13^th October.  A ‘Nikka Experience’ will also run at the same time which will enable attendees to order a whisky flight featuring Nikka From The Barrel, Nikka Tailored and Nikka Taketsuru.

Japanese whisky tastings will also take place in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge, Manchester, Leeds, and Edinburgh, complete with a category led masterclass.

Outside of London:

Hyde & Co Group which includes Milk Thistle, The Raven, Seven Lucky Gods and Four Wise Monkeys, The Ox and Flour & Ash.

Each venue will run various cocktail menus using Nikka Days, Coffey Gin and Vodka.

A ‘closing industry service’ event will take place on Monday 2nd December alongside a celebratory opening of the 3 litre Nikka from the Barrel that will be travelling across the 3 menu bars when their drinks are live. Ambassador Mikey Pendergast will be closing the event.

Retailers will also host a variety of events. Consumers will be able to join in events and tastings at The Whisky Shop, The Whisky Exchange, Jeroboams.

Alongside this bursting itinerary of unmissable events, Nikka are marking the occasion with a special 90^th Anniversary release – THE NIKKA NINE DECADES IX.

This limited edition is a world blended whisky incorporating whiskies from the 1940s to the 2020s, crafted at distilleries such as Yoichi, Nishinomiya, Miyagikyo, Moji and Satsumatsukasa. More than 50 batches, including the oldest malt whisky reserve from Yoichi and Miyagikyo, have been selected to represent Nikka’s heritage and future.

THE NIKKA NINE DECADES IX (48% ABV, RRP £2,500) will be available on allocation only across on and off-trade channels.

For full information about each venue and event dates, please visit https://nikka90th.co.uk/