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Jim Murray scored different batches of Pure Malt Black with 92 and 95 points respectively. This is a great dram, a blended malt made up of whisky from Nikka's Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. Full of fruit, balanced oak, peat and toffee.
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I don't think this is 43% proof. Drinks like sweet caramel colored lemonade. Very odd. Pleasant but not in the Whiskey category of beverages. No aroma. Bottle 18B22A.
20th June 2020
I live near the Yoichi distillery. This used to be /phenomenally/ good circa 2016 and before, especially for the price (1,200 yen or $9.00 USD, yes NINE DOLLARS in most Japanese grocery stores.)Unfortunately, after Jim Murray's review, it virtually disappeared from stores.In February, I braved the COVID pandemic (then a burgeoning East Asia epidemic) and headed over to the distillery bottle shop to stock up. Well, I'm not sure what they are bottling now, but it is watered down beyond the point of being acceptable.The content of these bottles is absolutely in no way the same thing awarded 92/95 points.In fact, while good batches of Nikka (specifically Yoichi) are some of my favorite whiskies ever, quality control from 2018-2020 has seriously taken a dive, likely due to hype-influenced demand for a whiskey which simply does not exist, as not enough was initially produced before the Japanese whiskey boom. This is why age statements disappeared for Nikka.Be mindful that, today, both Nikka and Suntory products are all over the map quality-wise and probably will not align with the adoring and glowing reviews of the products from several years ago. While I prefer Nikka's products, I think Suntory has maintained consistent quality standards better than Nikka has. That said, the bottlings of both are less than thrilling all around, especially for the prices paid in foreign markets. (They are less than half the price here in Japan).Of course, this can and hopefully will change as newer bottlings emerge in 7-10 years.
7th May 2020
Love it 👍
13th November 2019
Quiet close to the Highland park valknut. Less coffee and more chocolate milk. Well balance. If you have toffee, it is not on the same level than the Nikka from the Barrel. Still very enjoyable and easy.
18th January 2019
I've had nikka before in a few different guises. From the barrel, coffey etc. But this really is a hugely enjoyable experience. Lovely finish. Would definitely recommend.
27th August 2017
Leave it to the Japanese to take something that was perfect, and make it better!
10th June 2017
Very Nice!👍😎
22nd May 2017
Something I want more. Soft, rich and sophisticated.
9th May 2017
Absolutely unique taste . Highly recommended
8th May 2016
Let's see..!
17th April 2016
absolute perfect for my palate
23rd July 2015
Finished a wonderful meal (asparagus, chateaubriand steak) at our local gastropub with this whisky and a coffee. I've had Suntory whiskies before but never a Nikka. It is smooth, well-flavoured, complex on the palate. I'd recommend this - agree it reminded me of Penderyn in a good way.
26th May 2015
Simple, bit smokey, bit dark chocolate, coffee, all mixed up in a wonderful taste. Definitely top quality at this pricing level.
7th February 2015
This is a wonderful whisky! fruit,peat spice, and hints of coffee and dark chocolate open up when swallowed. oily and coats your tongue. i feel like a VIP when i drink this stuff, damn the Japs, this is top quality!
12th October 2014
I love this one. Seems to be simple at the first sip to open up with every next. Too complex or me (positively) to name all the tastes and smells I can feel (I blame the lack of proper tasting training). In short: amazing for a blend. Or rather the perfect example that blends can be great, too. 8/10 for me.
19th June 2014
Delicious, interesting and smooth. There's interesting tastes of bertie basset based treat's, a little saline. Well done Nikka.
16th April 2014
OutstandingHave some, watch your tongue smile after the first sipKeep in your mouth for a good few seconds, then swallowIt will slowly jab your taste buds..Love it... Steve Mcgiff Cornwall...
17th January 2014
Received a bottle as a gift a very nice surprise unknown to myself this whisky was thinner than the malts i usually drink but has a wonderful flavour with a strong kick very much like penderyn whiskey.
30th December 2013
Like someone has matured the spirit with sticking plasters!
16th October 2013
I am drinking this right now.The nose is truly beautifulBags of glamourI just cannot stop sniffing itThe taste is immaculateTue obsession with Japanese whiskey is in full flowEvery whiskey I have purchased from Japan is unique and carries bags of intelligence.Recommend this thoroughly....
3rd August 2013
If you like very well balanced with all obvious elements of smoke, peat, fruit, wood and sweet all working together perfectly then this is a beast. I could sniff this all day & sip this all night. It has an addictive nose (yes i do go to the cupboard and pull the cork sniff and put the cork back on many times with this one), beautiful taste and great long fade finish......I don't know what else can be asked for in a whisky?.........well 70cl instead of 50cl maybe!
26th February 2012
This really is a wonderfully balanced blend, well worth a purchase. Fantastic flavours and a pleasure to drink.
7th December 2010