Interview with Nikka chief blender Sakuma Tadashi

Post by Stefan Van Eycken, Tokyo

Our friends at La Maison du Whisky have just published their 2014 catalogues: one, ‘The Kilt Attitude’, featuring whisky; the other, ‘Alambic & Botanic’ covering other fine spirits. They are beautifully produced publications with original artwork and a wealth of information. An absolute joy to leaf through... ‘The Kilt Attitude’ also has a handful of fascinating, quite lengthy interviews with key whisky people. One of those interviews is with Nikka chief blender Sakuma Tadashi. It can be read online here.
Among other things, you’ll find out in what way the two pairs of Coffey stills at Miyagikyo distillery are central to the Nikka blends and what Sakuma-san’s views on ‘finishing’ are.