Nikka Whisky From the Barrel

Hot damn / Holy shit... Mind you, this isn't the first time I've poured this, and this rating is meant to synthesize both my knee jerk feelings on the dram as well as my considerations with time. Beautiful. If allowed three syllables to describe this whiskey, it would be an easy task. Beautiful. Only two you say? Complex. Feeling generous and giving me four? Chameleon. Sweet, mildly peaty, smoky, fruity, sherry-filled, nutty...it just goes in a different direction each time I swirl the glass or take a nip. Regardless, it is an incredibly smooth pour, and is, I hate to say, grossly underpriced for what this offers. I don't pull this down often, because it actually taxes my senses, but the ride is always worth the price of admission. On a more traditional rating vibe, there really is a lot going on. If I get to brass tacks, there's a contrast between sweet and smoke/peat that wavers back and forth. Some cinnamon-like spice (nutmeg / banana bread?) kick in, and there's definitely some almond/hazelnut-like notes that come in mid-sip. Easy drinking, but has some ethanol on the backend. Wow...one of the best pours I've had, even if it doesn't come off the top shelf often.

A great dram. Just enough peat (perfect if you’re not a peat fan but don’t mind a little smokeyness). Great fruit flavors as well. Smooth. Would definitely by again.

Smooth to a T with caramel and sweet vanilla notes. There is a lot of spice in the background but the sweet notes win. Pretty up there in alcohol but there isn’t a noticeable burn. Great stuff.

butterscotch and orange peel, pears, and plum. There is a bit of earthiness that appears as dried autumn leaves, coffee, old oak, and tobacco.