Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

light and malty.

Nikka Coffey Malt I find more enjoyable than both the Yamazaki 12 and Harmony. It is just everything I like in a whisky. Very sweet, really reminds me of chocolate milk with a heavy cream and chocolate note and some nice baking spices sort of like a cookie with some cinnamon. Very very pleasant, and the grain isn't even close in taste in my opinion. Whenever people mention they're pretty close I get so confused because it seems like a night and day difference to me.

Nose: First smell overly ripe peaches (like mushy), Second more fruit, Melon, Apples dipped in carmel sauce. Taste: Fruity Finish: Medium Not my favorite. I dont love the super fruity whiskeys and this is definitely one of them. Very smooth.

Nose: Toasted cereal, buttered toast, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, vanilla, panettone, baked banana. There's a tiny ashy hint. Adding a drop of water brings out a little oak aroma but it mutes the nose too much. Palate: Rich, creamy, silken arrival. Milk chocolate, creme caramel, coconut, nutmeg, butter, caramel, savoiardi biscuits and some light oaky notes. The addition of water unleashes several types of honey and more varieties of cereal. Finish: Medium. Mildly spicy with grainy mocha flavours. There is an interesting segue to fruitiness as it fades, and a delightful lingering sweetness. This is a good whisky, and together with the Coffey Grain from Nikka it's a duet that you need to hear. The nose and palate are cereal driven, with hints of every type of grain and baked product you can imagine, and the mouth-feel is very good. The fruit part of the character is subtle and it's not about bright citrus. It's warmer, heavier and oilier and integrated with the cereal profile. Think banana bread, walnut loaf or avocado mashed on whole grain toast. If adding water do so carefully, just a couple of drops at a time. This whisky is fine neat, but water brings out notes that are just as nice. However as much as it loves water, this whisky can't swim to save itself and you can ruin a wonderful experience very easily. Don't even think about putting it anywhere near ice or mixers. Delightful, and arguably the best value Japanese whisky that you can still obtain fairly easily. "Good" : 84/100 (3.75 stars)