Coffey Stills
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named after it’s inventor, Aeneas Coffey
Aeneas Coffey was an Irish inventor and distiller who revolutionized the process of whisky distillation with the invention of the Coffey Still in 1830. His innovative design allowed for continuous distillation, leading to increased efficiency, productivity and a purer, refined spirit.
Masataka Taketsuru, founder of Nikka Whisky, learned the art of distilling with the Coffey Still during his time at Bo’ness Distillery in Scotland. Despite its old-fashioned structure and difficulty to operate, he valued the still’s important feature of retaining more of the grain’s flavors. Today Nikka operates two sets of Coffey Stills at the Miyagikyo Distillery.
Coffey-distilled whiskies and spirits are highly reputed in the world. Nikka’s Coffey Series was designed to showcase the texture and character of the Coffey still. NIkka is one of the few distilleries to still use this type of distillation for their gin, vodka, grain and malt whiskies.
The History
1830
Aeneas Coffey, an Irish inventor and distiller, designed an improved version of the continuous column still, patenting it as the "Coffey Still." This breakthrough enabled the production of large quantities of whisky for the first time.
1919
Masatake Taketsuru apprenticed at James Calder in Bo’ness to learn the production of Coffey grain whisky.
1963
The first Coffey Still was imported from Scotland and installed at Asahi Breweries’ Nishinomiya plant to produce grain whisky.
1966
The second Coffey Still was installed at the same plant.
1969
The Miyagikyo Distillery is completed in April and starts distillation.
1999
The Coffey Stills were transferred to the Miyagikyo Distillery, where they currently produce Nikka's Coffey Series (grain whiskies, gin and vodka).
