Episode
Is Nikka From the Barrel redefining the global whiskey market?
- Podcast
- Two Guys Talking Wine
- Published
- May 19, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3319
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://shows.acast.com/two-guys-talking-wine/episodes/is-nikka-from-the-barrel-redefining-the-global-whiskey-marke
Actions
POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/two-guys-talking-wine-49180/episodes/is-nikka-from-the-barrel-redefining-the-global-whiskey-market/transcription-requests
Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/two-guys-talking-wine-49180/is-nikka-from-the-barrel-redefining-the-global-whiskey-market.md
Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.
Summary
Michael Pinkus and André Proulx welcome Nikka Global Director Koji and Export Manager Kuma to discuss Japanese whisky and taste Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo single malts plus Nikka From the Barrel and the 40th-anniversary From the Barrel Extra Marriage. They cover founder Masataka Taketsuru’s role as the “father of Japanese whisky,” his 1918–1920 Scotland apprenticeship and detailed notebook, and Nikka’s four pillars: terroir, producing a variety of whiskies in-house, Coffey still grain whisky, and blending skill. The guests explain Yoichi’s coastal, direct coal-fire character and Miyagikyo’s softer mountain style shaped by pot-still design, heating method, and ex-sherry casks. From the Barrel is described as a 51.4% blend of 100+ whiskies made smoother via a cask “marriage” finishing, with Extra Marriage extending that process to six months. They note Japanese whisky’s market growth, minimal focus on age statements for these expressions, and recommend From the Barrel as the best entry point. You can learn more about Nikka here - https://www.nikka.com/en/ Nikka is represented by Woodman Wine and Spirits - https://woodmanwinesandspirits.com/ You can support us on Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine ... $5/month members NOW get exclusive content. See Patreon page for details. You can email André at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @andrewinerview You can email Michael at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram here - @thegrapeguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.