What Sparked Nishida’s Love for Whisky?
For Nishida, whisky was more than just a drink—it represented a sophisticated pastime for adults. He was inspired by the idea of becoming the kind of stylish, mature person who truly fits that world, and that aspiration was what first drew him to whisky.

Yet, at the time, whisky felt out of reach—something aspirational and rare. He began by learning to appreciate lower-grade (second-class) sake, developing his palate through both its good and bad qualities.

Japanese whisky, he notes, offers incredible diversity, with a wide range of ways to enjoy it. While many today might not even know what second-class sake is and are fortunate enough to begin their journey with single malts, reflecting on those earlier days deepens his appreciation for what whisky truly is.