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Nikka Whiskey

Jeeves De Veyra

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762853514114NIKKA BOTTLES.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Premier Japanese whisky brand Nikka. Jeeves de Veyra"/>Premier Japanese whisky brand Nikka. Jeeves de VeyraGlobal liquor and spirits retailer La Maison du Whisky and Filipino distributor Grand Cru Wines and Spirits Inc. recently celebrated their exclusive Philippine partnership for premier Japanese whisky brand Nikka at Hotel Okura’s cavernous Yawaragi restaurant inside Newport World Resorts.</div>While bottles of Nikka have been available in the Philippines prior to this partnership, they arrived through various channels. Nish Senan, La Maison du Whisky&#x27;s marketing manager for Asia, explained that this new deal ensures the lowest prices for consumers, as La Maison du Whisky orders Nikka in bulk and passes on the savings.Nikka’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru, was originally part of the Kotobukiya distillery, which later became Suntory. He left due to a difference in whisky philosophy. Having studied in Scotland, Taketsuru aspired to produce robust and peaty whisky in the traditional Scottish style — contrasting with the lighter expressions Kotobukiya continued to distill.Nikka is also renowned for its use of the high-efficiency Coffey still, which they employ not only for grain and malt whisky but also for other spirits such as gin and vodka. A highlight of the launch was the exhibit hall, showcasing all their core bottles along one side of the restaurant.The signature of Nikka lies in its consistency of flavor. Their expert blenders ensure that regardless of variations in grain or water, each expression remains distinct and consistent—even across bottles opened in different years.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762853843136YOICHI - Steak Pairing.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Yoichi Single Malt pairing. Jeeves de Veyra "/>Yoichi Single Malt pairing. Jeeves de Veyra For those new to Nikka, Japanese whisky, or whisky in general, the Yoichi Single Malt offers an approachable first sip. It reminded me of a Speyside Scotch, with its sweet notes and smooth finish. No surprise there as it’s produced at Nikka’s first distillery, which adheres to the Scottish method of whisky-making. This was paired with a steak course served with red wine anchovy gravy.</div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762853855434MIYAGIKYO - pairing.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Miyagikyo Single Malt pairing. Jeeves de Veyra"/>Miyagikyo Single Malt pairing. Jeeves de VeyraNikka’s second distillery, located in north-central Japan, produces the Miyagikyo Single Malt. Spicy on the palate with a punchier finish, it’s their signature bottle and makes an excellent base for a highball, with its bold notes tempered by tonic water and a hint of lemon.</div>I didn’t expect it to pair well with something as delicate as sushi. However, the sushi served at the dinner was glazed with teriyaki sauce, and the punchy whisky complemented the grilled unagi and foie gras sushi beautifully.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762853870756TAKETSURU - Dessert.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Taketsuru pairing. Jeeves de Veyra"/>Taketsuru pairing. Jeeves de Veyra</div>Blending the best of both distilleries, the Taketsuru combines the Yoichi’s richness with the Miyagikyo’s spice. This was paired with a dessert of sesame mousse topped with caramel sauce.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762853884235NIKKA BY THE BARREL - pairing.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Nikka From the Barrel pairing. Jeeves de Veyra"/>Nikka From the Barrel pairing. Jeeves de VeyraMy favorite bottle of the night was Nikka From the Barrel. A blend of the two core whiskies — Yoichi and Miyagikyo — plus whisky from Ben Nevis, a Nikka-owned Scottish distillery, it stood out with its higher alcohol content and thicker, honeyed mouthfeel. Though recommended as a base for whisky cocktails, I found it best enjoyed neat.</div>Paired with a very fatty fish, its high alcohol content beautifully complemented the bursts of brine from the roe — making this, in my opinion, the best pairing of the evening.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762853897814Nikka Room at recraft .jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Nikka Room at Re:Craft Bar "/>Nikka Room at Re:Craft Bar Having an exclusive distributor opens up unique opportunities for customers to explore new ways of enjoying the spirit. Installations like the Nikka Room at Re:Craft Bar in Quezon City extend the brand experience with exclusive cocktails crafted by their bartenders and a complete selection of Nikka whiskies — broadening awareness beyond a single dinner.</div>Nikka whiskies and other spirits are now available at your favorite online liquor retailers.

At an elegant dinner at Hotel Okura, Nikka Whisky celebrated its exclusive partnership with La Maison du Whisky and Grand Cru Wines and Spirits Inc. — a toast to Japanese mastery and the timeless art of whisky-making.

At an elegant dinner at Hotel Okura, Nikka Whisky celebrated its exclusive partnership with La Maison du Whisky and Grand Cru Wines and Spirits Inc. — a toast to Japanese mastery and the timeless art of whisky-making.

Nikka Whisky toasts exclusive PH partnership at Hotel Okura

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Nikka Whisky toasts exclusive PH partnership at Hotel Okura

Jeeves De Veyra

Published November 11, 2025 05:43 PM PHT

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Nikka

whisky

Hotel Okura

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