Nikka Gold & Gold Samurai

Green apple on the nose. Mellow palate Toki is more interesting.

Tastes like scotch

Sweet warm butterscotch on the nose. A nice baking spice on the front of the taste, mellows into the non sweet part of brown sugar and molasses cookies

Nikka, the natural rival of suntory, is well known for putting in the market some beautiful whiskies. But this time is not only the "juice" that is beautiful, but the bottle (decanter) itself, the one that holds a Samurai head and shoulder armor over the screw cap. The Nikka Gold & Gold, is now one famous bottle, that was discontinued in 2016; a blended whisky that was originally intended for the travel retail market. Bottled at 43%abv, golden color. On the nose, very fruity, very fresh. Peaches in syrup; Some oily spice and cooked Pineapples. A spongy vanilla cake, wet biscuits, fresh gooseberries and glazed pork. It is uncanny how much it resembles to a half peach in syrup. On the palate, it starts with tropical fruits, then a powerful spice appears, like wasabi; pineapple heart. A second sip gave me peaches, some saltiness and a metallic/sulphuric note. A third sip gave me some sugar syrup, sugar mixed with milk. Aftertaste is peaty! Some smoke, tobacco leaf and bitter flavors on the finish. Burnt hay, dry burnt grass. The typical nikka peat is present, a nice touch. Not very long. Dry, salty, grassy. Overall, i really liked this whisky. I have to be honest, i did not knew what to expect and i was actually surprised by it. The aroma wss lovely and the peaty finish was delicious. It is not a complex dram, but a good one. My score for this very balanced whisky is a solid 88 over 100. KANPAI!