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.
Full body, spicy finish
Wish I knew about this before. My first whisky from Japan, and wow! What a surprise, had it in a sushi bar after dessert. Now, I am not that much of an expert in these matters, but this is one of those drams that could easily be mistaken for a malt and given that appropriate score. Try it out. Well worth it.
Slight oak? Really? This smells strong oak. Almost like a mix between a bourbon and rum.
First tried Nikka last year, the first taste was a pleasant surprise. I have never been able to describe the taste of Whisky in the way many experts have done, however flowers and many other fragrance's are evident together with a slight oak. It's one to savour.
This really is amazing stuff. I've paid three times the price for whisky that wasn't this good. If all whisky was free, i'f give it a 9/10, but since price is a factor for most of us, I'll give it a 10/10. You can't go wrong with this one. Once again the MOM tasting notes are dead on. I will buy more when this bottle is gone.
