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.
My 2nd Japanese, after Hibiki 12, and I'm very impressed, again! Agree with poster below - this is thick! Wonderfully so. Lots of tropical fruit, spice and almost buttery on the palate. Lovely mouth-feel and a long sweet syrupy finish with a touch of wood spice dryness. I like a few drops of water in this but it can be drunk without no problem. Considering rising prices this is an excellent value whisky from Japan! Recommended.
It tastes almost "thick" - wonderful and unexpected. Not at all like a Scotch, but even more different than any Bourbon. Enormous character.
Not much more to say really but you have to try this what a whisky and a real good price
If you have not tried it,just BUY SOME.
@maltmondays The Nose. Is predictably strong, a hard hit of alcohol, however once your nose adjusts the complexity does cut through, intense hits of brown sugar, rum & raisins. Fruit plays a big part in the nature of this whisky. The nose has a great mix of spice and fruit, think a whole orange poked with star anise before placing in your winter mulled wine pot! The Taste. Has all the traits the nose implies, caramelized cooked fruits, Toffee, Sticky, buttery-ness on the tongue. That welcome spice hits back too, it’s a 5-spice and Asian cuisine style heat. This is a big mouthful, don’t be intimidated by the strength, let it linger until you get that beautiful mouthful of Christmas pudding and warm winter desserts. The Finish. Thankfully this does the taste justice, long, smooth and very warming. There’s some Oak maturity too which is a nice contrast to the Fruit. Ginger and cinnamon hints arise after a few seconds and they are very welcome! The rich spice stays long after you’ve had a few drams and walked away from this drop. Something I found hard to do.
