Nikka Coffey Malt
A whisky that falls between two categories. 100% malted barley, like a single malt, but distilled in a column still, making it officially a grain whisky. The result is rich and creamy, with raisins, caramel and cinnamon.
Malt as an ingredient, grain by definition
Single malt is distilled from malted barley in copper pot stills. Nikka Coffey Malt uses the same ingredient, 100% malted barley, but distills it in a Coffey still: the continuous column still normally used for grain whisky. Because of that still, this whisky is classified as grain whisky, even though it contains no corn or wheat.
That combination is rare, and you can taste why. The column still makes the whisky smooth and creamy, while the malt adds depth. Where its sibling Coffey Grain is light and fruity, the Malt is full-bodied and dark: dried fruit, raisins, caramel and cinnamon, at 45%. It’s the Coffey you pour after dinner, not in a highball.
At a glance
Rich, creamy and a little spicy
Raisin and caramel
Dried fruit and raisins, with warm caramel underneath. Deeper and darker than the Coffey Grain.
Creamy texture
Surprisingly rich and creamy for a column-still whisky. Caramel and dried fruit, with cinnamon slowly coming through.
Warm and spicy
A warm finish where the cinnamon lingers and the caramel sweetness fades away gently.
Tasting profile of Nikka Coffey Malt neat. A few drops of water make it creamier and bring out the cinnamon.
How to drink Coffey Malt
Coffey Malt is a bottle to enjoy neat, preferably after dinner and with something sweet on the side.
Neat, with a drop of water
4 cl in a tulip-shaped tasting glass. Smell first, taste, then add a few drops of water: the creamy texture remains, while the raisins and cinnamon open up further.
Glass: tasting glass →With dessert
A small glass alongside a dessert with caramel or cinnamon, such as apple pie or crème brûlée. The caramel and spices in the whisky find their match on the plate.
Glass: tumbler →As an Old Fashioned
50 ml Coffey Malt, a bar spoon of sugar syrup, and two dashes of bitters, stirred over ice and strained over a large ice cube in a tumbler. Garnish with an orange peel: the caramel and cinnamon bring the cocktail to life.
Old Fashioned recipe →Warm and dark cocktails with Coffey Malt
The caramel and cinnamon in Coffey Malt work well in evening cocktails: stirred, warm, or with coffee.
Old Fashioned
Whisky, sugar, and bitters over one large ice cube. The raisin and caramel really shine here.
Hot Toddy
Whisky with hot water, honey, and lemon. The cinnamon in the Malt makes it extra warming.
Japanese Coffee
Hot coffee, brown sugar, and thick cream, with Coffey Malt instead of Irish whiskey.
Godfather
Whisky with amaretto over ice. Almond and caramel turn it into a dessert.The right glass for Nikka Coffey Malt
A tulip-shaped tasting glass for sipping neat, a heavy tumbler for an Old Fashioned, and a stemmed glass for coffee.
More flavors from Nikka
Nikka
Where it all began. On the brand page, you can learn all about Nikka: its origins, styles, and classic cocktails.
Go to Nikka →
Nikka Coffey Grain
Sweet and fruity from the column still: melon, grapefruit, and vanilla. The whisky for the Japanese highball.
View Nikka Coffey Grain →
Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt
Malts from Yoichi and Miyagikyo, aged for an average of ten years. Smooth and fruity, with cherry and mint.
View Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt →
Nikka Yoichi Single Malt
Rich and robust from the coast of Hokkaido: peach and honey, with peat on the finish.
View Nikka Yoichi Single Malt →
Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt
Smooth and fresh from the mountains near Sendai: tropical fruit, mango, and chocolate, with sherry in the background.
View Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt →Everything about Japanese whisky: the styles, best-known brands, and cocktails.
Questions about Nikka Coffey Malt
Can’t find your question here? Read more on the Nikka page or browse our cocktail recipes.
Everything about Nikka →What is the alcohol content of Nikka Coffey Malt?
Why is Nikka Coffey Malt a grain whisky?
What’s the difference between Coffey Malt and Coffey Grain?
Is Nikka Coffey Malt smoky?
What’s the best way to drink Nikka Coffey Malt?
Buy Nikka Coffey Malt
Want the bottle delivered straight to your door? Order Nikka Coffey Malt online from Gall & Gall.
Prices as of November 3, 2026, as reported by Gall & Gall. You can check the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; it won’t cost you anything extra. No 18, no alcohol.
