Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

Here we've got one from Japan's number 2 brand, Nikka. Suntory and its products take the cake as the clear number one, but Nikka isn't too far off in second place. This only refers to notoriety, not necessarily quality. I need to do some more digging to determine the latter. So here it is, my first Nikka review. Nose: Huge honey note, followed by banana, toffee, butterscotch, and vanilla. Graham cracker and marshmallow. Extremely sweet, even a bit syrupy. Some brown sugar and maple. Slightly nutty (walnut). This one drives right up to the border of overly-sweet, but stops just short. It noses like banana walnut pancakes with maple syrup. Very good. Palate: Still big honey, vanilla, butterscotch, toffee, brown sugar, and marshmallow notes. Walnut as well. The banana is now accompanied by some apple, pear, and apricot. There's chocolate, but it's more akin to a powdered hot chocolate than anything else. Slight oak spice. The palate trades the pancakes for a fruit bowl, but is otherwise relatively close to the nose. *5 months later and I'm back. Definitely some tropical fruit here. Mango and pineapple. Especially mango. In fact, I'd say that's now the most dominant note on the palate. Interesting what time and oxidation do to a whisky. Finish: The idea of the banana walnut pancakes with maple syrup resurfaces here, but very briefly. Then it's cinnamon, nutmeg, and oak spice for what adds up to moderate finish, maybe even on the short side. A bit underwhelming compared to the rest of the experience, but it's respectable in its own right. Damn good stuff. The Suntory products have always reminded me of Scotch. This Nikka Coffee Malt, however, is completely unique to any other category of whisky. A lot to like here. Great balance, only dropping off slightly at the finish. I paid $63, and feel I got my money's worth. I'll admit that Japanese whisky, in general, is overpriced. But within the context of the category, this appropriately priced. Great experience, looking forward to the Coffee Grain next. Nice job, Nikka.

Sweet

Nose: Rum raisin and vanilla bean ice cream. Totally unique nose and very interesting Palate: Smooth, Rich, medium-length finish. Preferred this to the coffee grain

Caramel, brown sugar, toffee, chocolate. Super smooth and rich

Very good. Cocoa and cherries, unripe banana. I prefer this over nikka Coffey grain.