Nikka Whisky From the Barrel

Smooth, just amazing

Taste the cloves, peat, not much smoke. Some sweetness for a Japanese whiskey.

This is a great dram, now i know why it is so famous and guess what? It is cheap. 51.4%abv, chesnut oloroso sherry color, no fancy story behind it, you can get it from $44-55. 51.4%abv always prepare you for a tough oponent, but this is not the case. The nose is marvelous sweet and citric, no alcohol note at all. Orange, Cocoa powder, Almonds, hazelnut, Milk powder (formula), Coffee beans, Milk chocolate, Toffee, Honey, Cough syrup from childhood. I bet you already know how it smells just by reading this notes. Palate is a little powerful and harsh but very enjoyable. Citric and spicy feeling. Ashy and oaky. Starts with a mixture of oak and orange to become a peppery, honey mustard spicyness. Bitter coffee. Very complex. Ginger and/or clove aftertaste with a little pleasant burn, long. Overall i give it a strong and well deserved 92 out of 100. Its the best nikka whisky i have had up to this date. Go buy it. Slainte! (Or whatever the japanese say when they cheer).

Perfect example of Japanese craftsmenship. A study in Balance.