Nikka Super Rare Old

Nose: herbs, roasted, oily, honey Taste: oily, peat, roasted, fruit After: medium short, spicy, citrusy

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Looking at the distiller score for this does not fill me with confidence before going in, but the Gentleman Jack score is 91 so anything can happen. The nose is very malt and honey forward, with some phenolic notes that are just a bit acrid around the edges. Simple and friendly, nothing to get excited about. The palate is better than the nose foretold, leading with more honey sweetness and lots of grain, white pepper and more heat then expected from the 43%. Those acrid edges from the nose show up next, with just the faintest flavors of ash and wood at the back. Also just oily enough to also make it feel more expensive then it is. Finish is medium in length and light on substance; a little spice, a little tannin bitterness and that’s it. I actually think this is better then what it’s been scored, and while I wouldn’t ever seek this bottle out again, I wouldn’t be against snagging a pour at the bar either.