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.
Superb Japanese blend. Can see it being polarising due to the 51.4% ABV but I thoroughly enjoyed it neat. Incredibly smooth. At this price, there isn’t another Japanese whisky that comes close.
Rich, warm, full body, complex & utterly satisfying. why only 4 stars then? it would have been 5 stars if there was no grain whisky in it. the slight acetone note takes away 1 star imo. If this was a malt whisky only it would be a perfect dram, 5 stars no doubt.
Not much on the nose to give an indication on the taste of this one, cut flowers and slight grassy scent. Very sweet on the tongue, brown sugar going to a more creamy butterscotch then to a punchy light burnt sugar sweetness with medium finish. Very sweet and moreish easily recognisable.
Ok but somewhat disappointing. The nose is disappointing. Oak and vanilla but nothing exceptional. The palate is spicy with vanilla and fruit cake in abundance leading to a somewhat spicy finish which lingers a while but then fades. A pleasant enough whiskey but not exceptional..
it's fine, but it's not worth the hype- better whisky for the price point (which aren't coloured and chill filtered)
