Nikka Whisky From The Barrel was first launched in 1985 and has been stealing hearts ever since. Built from a marriage of malt and grain whiskies, largely drawn from Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, it is bottled at a forthright 51.4% ABV because anything less would miss the point. The compact, rectangular bottle reflects its concept, "a small block of whisky", but this rich, oily expression has always punched above its size.
This product does not meet all the criteria of "Japanese whisky" defined by the Japan Spirits & Liqueur Makers Association. You can read more on our blog.
Medium-body with good balance. There are notes of cut flowers and fresh fruits, spice, and a little oak.
Full-bodied and punchy. There is plenty of winter spice and toffee, a little caramel and vanilla, and a good mouthful of fruit.
Long, warming and fruity with a little oaken spice.
I was absolutely shocked by this one. initially i got a burbon-esque nose off it, very sweet, slightly oily. In the mouth its fantastically fruity with a hint of malt, and a good kick of alchol but without killing off any of the flavour. Sweet apple, toffee, some red berries and a little biscuit malt are the dominant flavours, along with subtle vanilla and a hint of citrus. Vanilla and chocolate comes through in the finish along with the berries. Its almost like a delicious juicy chocolate and berry cake! I cannot wait to get a bottle of this for myself, but I'm also nervous that it wont even last one sitting!
It was my first encounter with any whiskies from Japan. Pleasant surprise. I have to confess I am a believer with the isley, but I found this good! G.Róna
Am no expert. For me, whisky is either nice or disgusting. This falls into the former. It doesn't make me screw my face up as it's smooth on the palate and it's a warm and comforting drink. Nice.
Was given a sample of whiskey during a shopping trip and fell in love immediately. Bought a Nikka Whiskey From The Barrel and one of the Pure Malt. Just opened the whiskey from the barrel and love it. So much more complex than I expected. Is it time for another yet?:)
Picked it up at the duty free yesterday and having the first drink. First up, the bottle is brilliant even though it's only .5l, it reminds me of moonshine jars. When you open the bottle, the alcohol overpowers the nose, so you've got to let it breathe. Add a few drops of water to the glass, let it swirl for a few minutes before the first sip. The nose then feels a lot like a good bourbon. The first sip is smoky, even herbal, almost like an Islay. Bourbon and vanilla in the background, but traces, only traces. Whisky for the darkest winter night. The finish is decently long, astringent, almost like pine and menthol. Touch of woodyness. That was 15 minutes ago. Now it seems to have smoothed with the flavor profile reversed. Bourbon, toffee, vanila, a touch of fruits (not as much as a Speyside) to the fore, the smokyness comes through in the background. The finish is clovery. This is one of those whiskys that will give you a different experience as you work your way down the bottle. Absolute gem, brilliant structure and depth for a high ABV, and to think its a blend. Scotch blends can eat their hearts out - Black Dog and Jonny Walkers ain't got nothing on this one. As good as a top single malt. One word - brilliant.
