Christmas Countdown

On the 12th day of Christmas…

Hibiki 21 Year Old

Learn about one of the most masterful blends to have been created and the ultimate symbol of whisky harmony. The idea that a whisky can be utterly perfect is not something that generally sits well with industry experts, but most would find it hard to disagree in this case.

On the 11th day of Christmas…

Nikka 2018 Limited Editions

This year has been a busy one for Nikka – they’ve released many excellent expressions but there are 6 in particular that stand out to us here at dekanta. These whiskies are all limited editions that were released for the European market and they explore the effects of different cask types on top quality spirit.

On the 10th day of Christmas…

Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Limited Edition

Today, we’re looking at an award-winning bottle that would surely be gift of the year if you were tear away wrapping paper on the 25th to find this inside. Whoever got it for you would definitely be owed one (unless, of course, it was Santa). Without further ado, let’s get into today’s whisky – Ichiro’s Malt & Grain ‘Japanese Blended Whisky’ Limited Edition.

On the 9th day of Christmas…

Kamiki Japanese Whisky

The story of Kamiki, translated as “God’s Breath” in English, started at the Omiwa Shrine at the foot of Mount Niwa. The shrine is famous in Japan as a place where alcohol is offered as a blessing and those at Kamiki decided to honour this tradition, along with Japanese craft and artisanship, within the World Blended Whisky category.

On the 8th day of Christmas…

Taketsuru 17 Year Old

A fully accomplished blended malt that has been highlighted by industry experts on several occasions, most notably when it was named “World’s Best Blended Malt” at this year’s World Whisky Awards.

If you’re looking to get a taste of an exceptional blended whisky, there is none that we would recommend higher than the Taketsuru Pure Malt 17 Year Old and so it more than deserves its place in our 2018 Christmas Countdown.

On the 7th day of Christmas…

Yamazaki Limited Edition Series

The Yamazaki Limited Edition range was launched in 2014 and immediately soared in popularity. Only available in duty free shops, this was a whisky that was hard to get your hands on and fans around the world clambered to be one of the first to get a taste.

On the 6th day of Christmas…

Eigashima 2011 ‘Kikou’

A single cask bottling created at the Eigashima distillery in Japan, our first private release whisky is a special one. At a little more than 6 years old, it’s a relatively young whisky, but what it lacks in age it more than makes up for in character.

On the 5th day of Christmas…

Essence of Suntory

Launched on 27th February 2018, the Essence of Suntory is an experimental series that aims to provide an insight into the craftsmanship and expertise behind Suntory whisky, providing a taste of what is possible in their distilleries through unique finishes that stray from the norm. Each one pushes the boundaries of what we have come to expect from Japanese whisky.

On the 4th day of Christmas…

Hakushu 18 Year Old

It’s hard to pick a winner from Hakushu’s varied range, but the 18 Year Old has to be right up there. This is a whisky that is so smooth, well-balanced and complex that it comes incredibly close to perfection. Made up from a selection of carefully matured whisky, that has been under the eagle-eye of the master distiller for at least 18 years, this refreshing dram has it all.

On the 3rd day of Christmas…

Nikka G&G Military Samurai Commander

This fantastic whisky comes from Nikka, the Japanese whisky giant started by the Masataka Taketsuru – “The Father of Japanese Whisky”. The company has come a long way since then, growing exponentially and becoming recognised around the globe as one of the best producers of quality Japanese spirit.

On the 2nd day of Christmas…

Hibiki 17 Year Old

Sat in the middle of the Hibiki range, between the 12 and 21 Year Olds, the Hibiki 17 is a complex and flavour-packed whisky that brings a great deal of elegance to the table through its smooth characteristics backed up by a range of delectable and exciting notes.

On the 1st day of Christmas…

Yamazaki Sherry Cask

The Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 whisky is possibly the finest release to ever come out of the distillery, and indeed Japan. Released in February 2016, this premium blend immediately made waves in the industry as critics and fans alike fell in love as soon as they had their first sniff.