If you love Japanese whisky, chances are you know Nikka From The Barrel. First released in Japan in 1985 and later introduced to the US in 2018, Nikka became one of the first major global exports of Japanese whisky, helping pave the way for the spirit’s growing popularity today.

The bottle is distinctive, featuring a square design by Taku Satoh, one of Japan’s most notable graphic designers. Its shape is relevant as it reflects the “small block of whisky” Nikka and its blenders refer to with this expression, which is a blend of 100 whiskies presented in one small square bottle.

“What made From The Barrel a catalyst in the Japanese whisky category was its bold character and distinctive packaging based on a unique concept,” says Emiko Kaji, Leader of Global Business Strategy, Education, and PR at Nikka Whisky. “The liquid profile and bottle design unified under a single unique concept positioned From The Barrel as an iconic product that resonated with both whisky connoisseurs and design-conscious consumers.”