Japanese distiller Nikka Whisky is celebrating its 90th anniversary by releasing a blend made with whiskies from each of the past nine decades.

The Nikka Nine Decades unique blended whisky is so rare that less than 100 bottles are for sale in Australia, and it will retail for around $3500.

It will also be available by the dram at selected venues, so whisky lovers can experience the taste without the bottle price tag. Victorian whisky lovers can sample it during a special night at Whisky Alement on 19 November. Learn more here.

Nine Decades is made from more than 50 components from six Nikka-owned distilleries. The oldest whiskies are from the 1940s and 50s, from the original Yoichi distillery. It also has 1960s whiskies from Miyagikyo in Japan and Ben Nevis in Scotland.

Drinks Digest sampled the spirit alongside six of the whiskies it contains during a masterclass event. All were widely different and deliciously unique, with standouts being the Miyagikyo and the Ben Nevis. However, Nine Decades itself is the masterfully blended and dazzling highlight.

It is a fitting tribute to Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru, known as the father of Japanese whisky. He was the first Japanese person to travel to Scotland and learn the complex techniques still used today, such as Coffey still distillation and the art of blending.

Nikka Brand Ambassador Marcus Parmenter said: “The Nikka Nine Decades showcases the artful blending that Nikka has pioneered over our 90 year history, and it delivers that journey to the consumer.

“Through this whisky you can see all the way from our humble beginnings to our exciting present and get lost in the stories that we’ve made along the way. If this is 90 years, I can’t wait to see what our future holds.”

Non-chill filtered for a rich body and deep complexity, Nine Decades sits at 48% ABV. It is presented in an individual gift box with the names and signatures of current and past master blenders, along with a special booklet that explains each
decade’s whisky.

Bottles are available in short supply or by the dram at locations including:

Whisky Alement – VIC
Whisky Den – VIC
Boom Boom Room – QLD
Artesian Hospitality – QLD
Sake – NSW
Casa De Vinos – VIC