With nearly a century of craftsmanship, Japan’s iconic Nikka Whisky finally lands in Indonesia. From masterclasses to artful cocktails, its debut sparks a bold new chapter for whisky lovers nationwide.
Whisky aficionados in Indonesia have reason to celebrate as PT Pantja Artha Niaga (PAN) proudly announces the arrival of Nikka Whisky, one of Japan’s most esteemed whisky houses, now officially launched in Indonesia. This significant debut brings with it nearly a century of Japanese whisky tradition, rich heritage and refined craftsmanship, offering local connoisseurs a taste of the extraordinary.
Founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, who is often referred to as the father of Japanese whisky, Nikka exemplifies the successful blend of Scottish tradition with Japanese precision. Taketsuru’s pioneering journey to Scotland, where he mastered the time-honoured craft of whisky-making, laid the foundation for a brand that continues to inspire and innovate today. Nikka’s celebrated expressions, crafted in the beautiful distilleries of Yoichi in Hokkaido and Miyagikyo in Honshu, are known for their bold character, complexity and unmistakable elegance.
The official launch took place on 20 May 2025, during an exclusive evening at the luxurious The St. Regis Bar in Jakarta. Guests enjoyed a captivating masterclass led by Koki Kitamura, Regional Manager for Asia at Nikka Whisky, who provided insights into the brand’s storied history and meticulous distillation process. To add a creative touch to the night, Aki Nakata, the Nikka Perfect Serve 2024 SEA Winner and acclaimed Senior Bartender from Origin Bar at Shangri-La Singapore, delighted attendees with a bespoke lineup of Nikka cocktails that showcased the brand’s nuanced flavour profiles.
This milestone is the result of a long-standing partnership with La Maison du Whisky, Nikka’s trusted distributor in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia for over 25 years. Their collaboration with PT Pantja Artha Niaga marks a bold new chapter for Nikka, promising to bring the spirit of Japanese whisky to an increasingly sophisticated Indonesian audience.
Haruka Uemura, Senior Brand Manager at PT Pantja Artha Niaga, expressed the company’s excitement about the launch, emphasising that Nikka’s values of authenticity, tradition and innovation align perfectly with PAN’s principles. She conveyed her confidence that Indonesian whisky lovers will embrace Nikka’s exceptional craftsmanship, adding a new dimension to the nation’s premium whisky scene.
As Nikka Whisky makes its grand entrance into Indonesia, it does so at a significant time. This year marks the 40th anniversary of From The Barrel, the brand’s iconic expression, which is celebrated worldwide for its bold, layered character. The introduction of Nikka to Indonesia isn’t just a launch—it’s a celebration of legacy and craftsmanship and the beginning of an exciting new journey for whisky lovers across the archipelago.
Nikka Whisky
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