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This Japan-only KitKat is made with chocolate aged in Scotch Whisky barrels

This new premium flavour features cacao that has been aged for 180 days in barrels from Islay, Scotland

Kaila Imada
Written by
Kaila Imada
Associate Editor, Time Out Tokyo
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KitKat in Japan takes its ubiquitous chocolate bar to the next level by offering unique regional specialities as well as luxurious editions created by some of Japan’s best pastry chefs (the latter is marketed under the KitKat Chocolatory label). The brand even has a dedicated chocolatory in Shibuya, where you can make your own custom KitKat bar. 

Whisky barrel-aged KitKat
Photo: Nestle Japan

If you’re looking for a decadent chocolate to indulge in, check out this whisky barrel-aged KitKat by Japanese patissier Yasumasa Takagi. For this special edition, the cacao nibs are aged for 180 days in wooden barrels previously used to store whisky. During the process, the barrels are rotated once a week to make sure that all the cocoa nibs receive an even distribution of the whisky’s taste and aroma.

Whisky barrel-aged KitKat
Photo: Nestle Japan

The whisky barrels come from Islay of Scotland, one of the premier whisky producers in the world. These barrels are noted for their smoky peatiness, which is a perfect match for the rich chocolate. The cocoa, on the other hand, is sourced from Ghana; it's a beautifully mellow chocolate that’s best suited for blending and mixing with other flavours.  

Whisky barrel-aged KitKat
Photo: Nestle Japan

Interestingly, these luxe KitKats are actually the first KitKat Chocolatory product to be produced overseas. The packaging even states that they are made in the United Kingdom. 

The new Scotch whisky barrel-aged KitKats are available in single bars similar to the other Chocolatory products and are sold at ¥324 a pop. You’ll find them at all seven KitKat Chocolatory locations across Japan, including the one in Ginza.

Prefer to sip on whisky instead? Check out these newly released Japanese whiskies.

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