Nikka Blender's Bar

Latest update, as of 2019.02.06: I was just at the Nikka Blender's Bar on the 28th of January. I have read some of the more negative reviews, and some of their impressions are accurate. So, I will say that most of my overly-positive review is because I have fond memories and never had a negative experience there, with the exception of the level of smoke in the bar (at times) but that is to be expected. I just wish they would invest in a few air purifiers that would manage it better. As for the bartender, I get along well with him. As I mentioned in previous reviews, I like to get there when the place opens. That way, there is just me and the bartender. There were a couple of times when I got there just a little passed 17:00 then there were a few other patrons, but that's okay too. It is a bar. I find that the bartender there (again with my basic Japanese and the help of my iPhone) is able to answer a lot of my questions. This trip I enjoyed a dram of Ichiro's Malt, Wine Wood Reserve (Yes, I know it isn't a Nikka whisky) and a dram of Nikka from the Barrel. I enjoyed both, but I would say for what I enjoy, if I were to have a second dram of one of those, I would go with Nikka from the Barrel. It went well with most of the cheeses I got on the assorted cheese plate. Pretty much all except for the blue cheese. The more delicate flavors and aromas just got lost with the overpower blue cheese. Last note, and this refers to my latest photos. I added more outside photos so you can see that they have changed the color of their streetside sign to a bright orange/red-ish color. It really stands out. It is truly hard to miss. I miss the old sign, but maybe they just wanted to make it more visible. Previous Update: I was just in a Tokyo a week ago, and of course, I had to make a couple of trips to the Nikka Blender's Bar. I actually went to the Nikka Blender's Bar exactly a week ago, 2018.09.11. This time, with my friends Scott and Bart, from the Scotch Test Dummies (youtube). Well, okay, just a photo of them. The first time I went there, on this last trip, I got there a bit later than I planned. There weren't too many people, but those who were there were smoking. Of course, Japan hasn't changed its laws regarding smoking and some people don't mind it. I don't mind it too much, unless I want to try to truly appreciate the whisky I am drinking. The second night I went there, I got there as soon as the opened and I was the only patron there. I enjoyed a few drams and a nice chat with the bartender. With my very basic Japanese and my iPhone, we had a good conversation. HA! They still have a nice selection of aged stated Nikka whiskies, and in reative terms, many of them are quite affordable. Yes, you could kill your budget here, but there is no need to. If you are the type of drinker who enjoys a chat with the bartender, not-so-much smoke in the air that can get in your way of enjoying the aromas and tastes of your whisky, then go there when they open, espeially on a week day. ============ I went to Tokyo this June 2018. I only had time to go to the Nikka Blender's Bar once on this last trip. I had the 12yo flight of "Key Malts," along with their assorted cheese plate. The cheese selection complemented the flight very well. I am not a huge fan of smoked cheese, but that went well with the Yoichi smoke/peated whisky. I am going back to Tokyo this September, and you all can guess where I will go back to, at least twice I hope. I will add a few more photos, as well. Updated Review: It is an easy walk down from Omotesando station Exits B1 and B3. I recommend going out of B1. It puts in the direction you need to go before turning left own the street the bar is located on.

If you enjoy authentic Japanese whiskey in the city center here it is. You can taste tradition and history that first tackled making whiskey in Japan. That is also very nice price.

Have deliberated about a rating for this... I'd say it was a fine 2.5 star rating but as you can't give halves I'm rounding down. First, a good selection of whisky, which is to be expected. Some good premium offerings at a good price and a nice option of a Nikki flight comprised of unaged blends. The less satisfactory aspects, I just don't like the cover charge for these old style whisky bars... It smacks of old an gentlemen's' club ethos that doesn't fit with the modern world, still if the service is good and friendly (like the Cordon Noir in Kyoto, also reviewed) I can get over it... Here drinking whisky was like pulling teeth, with every dram harrumphed over and unwillingly poured, I could understand it if I was leaching the last drop of alcohol from a miserly, dipsomaniac uncle but I expect more when I'm paying well for the privilege. Trust me, just go to the Tokyo Whisky Library... Modern, no cover charge, bigger selection, better atmosphere, better service. Just much, much better.

Nice environment, a bit pricy but very nice range of nikka whiskey

Worst rip off in Tokyo. 600y cover per person and 10% service charge. Overpriced whiskey. Save your time and buy from somewhere else.

Fun No Age Statement Whisky flight.

Nice quiet sort of 70's vibe. Here's the trick for this place, it's a "Blender's Bar" so go for the Blender's Tasting which is a great deal for 3,000 yen. It consists of 6 tastings which are custom blends done by the in-house bartenders.

Good place for cheap lunch. Japanized Western dishes. Comfortable antique surroundings and relatively quiet. Also enjoy seeing the little old lady at the front desk every visit.

I was super excited to go to the Nikka's blenders bar because I read that it was owned by the Nikka company but upon arrival it was old and stuffy and no longer owned by the Nikka whiskey company. My friend wanted to stick around for a 3000 Yen tasting anyway. There is a 600 Yen seating charge that gets you a tiny plate of dried fruit and nuts that could fit in the palm of a small child. There was also a 10% service charge. Once I found out that it was not owned by the company, I wanted to walk out but my friend was very nice and wanted to stay. I tried to make the most of it and ordered a few super cold high balls and they were delicious. They were only 500 yen each and come in a stainless steel cup and really are super cold. I prefer a more fun and party location so I would say skip this place. There are many other fun places in Tokyo. #10/50 Challenge 2018

My boyfriend and I had an absolutely amazing experience here. It's sure to please both whiskey enthusiasts and the casual drinker alike. We sat at the bar and ordered the whiskey taster flight. It's quite an experience for someone with an unrefined palate like mine, as some of the peatier and smokier flavors can be a little difficult to down by themselves. Fortunately, you are provided with two glasses of water: one has ice, for cleansing the palate, and the other is just cool water for cutting the strong flavor of whiskey a little. (This tip brought to you by a friend.) We also really enjoyed the mixed nuts. It sounds silly, but they had a large, round, crisp nut with a crunchy outside and a sweet, chewy inside, almost like a raisin? I'm not sure what it was, but it was heavenly. The little plate of sweet fruit that comes with the flight is also delicious. We didn't stay for dinner, but this was one heck of an experience either way. I definitely recommend it if you have the time. Oh, and to note, they do not sell bottles on the premises! You can buy through the Nikka website, however they only have certain flavors and sizes available. Don't fall in love with a whiskey you know you can't take home.

Tokyo has THREE whiskey bars. We loved the Nikka Blender's bar. We got to blend our own whiskey. Wonderful!