Nikka Days Review

Nikka has a strong name in Japan, and it’s one of the two big whisky houses along with Suntory. Nikka Days is its newer, friendly entry-level bottle, launched in 2019, and it’s aimed at drinkers who want something smooth and easy.

The name suggests an everyday whisky, which I liked.

What it is

Nikka was founded by Masataka Taketsuru in 1934, and it’s owned by Asahi. Days is a blend of malt and grain whiskies from the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, with grain whisky from the Coffey stills at Miyagikyo. It’s matured in a mix of casks including ex-bourbon and ex-sherry, and bottled at 40%.

It has no age statement. The company describes it as a smooth, soft blend with a fruity sweetness, designed for everyday drinking and for highballs.

In the glass

I tried it neat, over ice and in a highball. I expected something soft and sweet, and I got that.

Nose: vanilla and orchard fruit, with honey and a hint of spice. It smells soft and sweet, like an apple tart with honey. Nothing sharp.

Palate: soft and sweet. Vanilla and apple come first, then honey and gentle oak. It’s smooth, with a pleasant, creamy texture. It’s easy to drink, and the sweetness is gentle. It’s a nice, balanced blend for the money.

Finish: medium, soft and slightly sweet. The honey lingers. Ice worked well, and in a highball it was refreshing.

A second glass

I made a highball the next evening, and the fruit and honey came through nicely. It’s a very drinkable whisky, and it doesn’t ask for attention.

How I would drink it

Neat, over ice or in a highball. It’s smooth enough for sipping and cheap enough for mixing. It’s a good everyday bottle.

Against the other Japanese whiskies

Compared with Suntory Toki, it’s sweeter and fruitier. Compared with Kakubin, it’s richer and less smoky. Compared with Nikka From The Barrel, it’s far gentler. It’s one of the nicest Japanese blends at the price.

Against Jameson, it’s lighter and fruitier, with a similar smoothness. I’d say it’s a good Japanese alternative for someone who likes Jameson.

Value

I paid about $40 for a 750 ml bottle. For a smooth Japanese blend, that’s fair.

Who it is for

It’s for people who want a soft, sweet Japanese blend for sipping and highballs. It’s a good gift. If you want depth, spend more.

An everyday Japanese whisky

Nikka Days lives up to its name. It’s the bottle I’d pour on a quiet evening without a second thought. It’s soft, sweet and easy, and it has a nice clean finish. I had a second glass without noticing.

As a highball

As a highball, with soda and a lemon twist, it was lovely. The fruit and the honey come through nicely, and the drink was refreshing. I’d say it’s one of the better highball whiskies at the price.

A second look

I tried it neat with a splash of water the next evening, and it was even better. The vanilla and the apple were easy to find, and the finish was gentle. It’s a whisky that doesn’t need any help.

Pairing and serving

A plate of grilled fish and a tall highball make a good partner, and the light, fruity whisky suits the delicate flavours. It’s a gentle, civilised combination.

If you’re making a highball, chill the glass, use plenty of ice, pour the soda gently and give it one slow stir. A strip of lemon peel adds a lovely lift.

What the price buys

At about $40 you get a soft, fruity Japanese blend with a clean finish. It is not cheap for a no-age-statement bottle, but it is well made and unusually smooth, and it makes a great highball. I’d say it is fairly priced rather than a bargain.

Who should skip it

If you expect the depth of a Japanese single malt, this will seem light. It is a gentle blend, and it stays that way from the first sip to the last. Peat lovers and sherry lovers will both find it too quiet for their taste.

Last word

Nikka Days is a soft, sweet, easy Japanese blend at a fair price. I’d buy it again, and I’d happily give it to a friend who likes Jameson.

Verdict

Yes. It’s smooth, easy and priced fairly. I’d buy it again.