Nikka Whisky From the Barrel

A complex blend! First is starting with a apple vanilla flavour, some cinnamon, summer flowers but after few minutes is changing in exotic fruits in nose, vanilla ,oak, caramel, dried fruit.The taste have a sweet start then a shy smoky flavour with honey, oaky is starting..delivering a nutty (walnut) bitter finish.

Nose: Caramel with a tinge of spice (cant really identify it) Palate: Sweetness (slightly cloying) with some oak and slight bitterness Finish: Mid warm finish and leaves a slight nutty sweetness and a bit of smoke

An intense nose of Christmas cake, dark fruit and alcohol. For my taste, this needs some water to tame the burn on the palate. Water dulls the nose, but brings forward heavy caramel, fruit and spice on the palate. The finish is somewhat light. Good stuff, and just about the only reasonably priced Japanese whisky. Now available in the U.S. in a full 750 ML.

There are few Japanese whiskies I consider a true bargain in these days, but Nikka From the Barrel is one of them. Minimalist packaging, solid 51.4% ABV and the aromatic, gingery aroma with cayenne pepper, lemongrass and hints of orange peel leave a good first impression. On the palate, you get an interesting combination of Yoichi and Miyagikyo flavors: initial spiciness is followed by fruity-sweet notes until a zesty-dry bitterness emerges. The medium finish fades with restrained oak, green tea and a touch of fresh mint. Grab a bottle while you still can! RATING: 3.7/5.0 stars ≙ 85 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [+]

Nicolas, 06/2018

Saw this randomly on the shelf at my local market as I was checking out. Had to grab it. This is the 750ml US release. Smells like maple syrup, butterscotch, and cereal. Some fruity notes as well. Really viscous mouthfeel. You definitely feel the proof in your mouth but it's not so high that you can't enjoy it neat. Spicy and sweet but without being cloyingly so. This is definitely one to savor. And you can't beat that price!