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.
Please disregard the low score review below mine, must have been an off cask or your palate was different than the inital dram you had. Bottom line - Nikka from the barrel is definitely one of the best bang for your buck Whiskeys I have had (and I have tried over 100 from around the world.) Great ABV (not too "Cask Strengthy" but still strong enough where a drop or two of water goes a long way to open it up.) Soft inviting and still with a nice depth of flavour it is a solid one to serve guests that won't break the bank!
Initially tried a dram and it was lovely. Smooth, warming with a pleasant after taste. I decided to buy a bottle and have been left very disappointed. Much like a previous reviews I can only class it as paint stripper. The alcohol smell and burn completely over powers any flavour. Sounds like luck of the draw...?
A fantastically smooth drink, easygoing yet better depth than other bottles in the price range. I would recommend the gift set with the pourer and glasses (shove both in the chiller / fridge) and enjoy straight.
Neat from a Glencarn glass. Nose: wonderful range of candied sugars with vanilla, dark cherry, caramel, hint of butterscotch, plums, blonde raisin, and sweet floral essences. Palate: Definitely higher ABV but SMOOTH and WARMING. Malty front with a diminishing (not fleeting) kaleidscope of dark fruit and "browned" sugars... a plum fruit tree with edible sweet flowers. Tantalizing hint of bakers chocolate. Finish: Warm coat over the whole tongue, not oily but uniform like step reclining in a relaxing sauna. Overall the feel is warm and refreshing for year round enjoyment!
As a beginner this is one of the most smooth whisky, hard to imagine it's actually 51%+. Surprised it not usually show up as recommendation for beginner, but I'm in
