Nikka Whisky From the Barrel

The initial nose is a hit of ethanol notes, before turning into marzipan and lemon taffy. At other times, there's a tropical note and ripe orchard fruits, with hints of cigar tobacco. The palate rolls on with the same notes of fruits, butterscotch, nougat, and floral honeysuckle. Quite complicated for a Japanese whisky, this one. The nose and palate are closer to a scotch profile than any other Japanese whisky I've tasted (four so far). If you had told me this was a Highland, cask-strength scotch, I wouldn't have doubted it for a minute. The finish is both woody and spicy. Further sips consolidate it into a parallel flow of effervescent, citrusy sparkles that light up the palate. (Unfortunately, I'm missing the smoke that many reviewers have noted.) It's a bit hot and a little mouth-drying - very much like a high-proof bourbon. (But hotter still than some BiB American whiskies, while holding only 1-2% higher ABV.) Nonetheless, I picked this 750ml bottle up for a very reasonable price. Had I bought this at the market rate in my area (roughly $100+ tax), I'd most likely score this lower. (To put things into perspective, at the going rate, I could easily be drinking a bottle of Talisker Distiller's Edition instead!) Still, this is easily my favorite J-whisky thus far. I'm of the mind that if supply increases and meets demand, the age statement expressions from Nikka will definitely be on my must-try list. (No hard feelings, Suntory.)

Nose: Medium intensity. Pears and litchi comes to mind at first, followed quickly with white pepper and cedar wood. Light sherry notes with almonds and general vinous notes. Light cloves and tiny bit of baby powder. Taste: Starts fruity with the pears, litchi, plums and green apples but is at the same time balanced with the cedar wood and white pepper. Vanilla, caramel and dryish cherry appears in the taste from the bourbon barrels I suppose. The sherry is more apparent in the taste with distinct nuttiness and vinous notes. A little raisins and strawberries. Some light peat with notes of rubber and smoke. Slightly salty with soy sauce (which comes I suppose from the little amount of peated malts in this). Not a lot of super apparent grain in this. WITH WATER: A little bit of water will definitely bring up the fruits, sherry notes and tannins. Becomes a little bit medicinal. Finish: Medium to long finish. Finishes slightly salty and smoky/soy sauce (from Yoichi) with cinnamon, orange zest and a little nuttyness. Somewhat dry and a little floral. Mouthfeel: Medium to light feel. I wonder how great it would have been if it weren't chill filtered. A little prickly Overall: This is truly excellent stuff and tremendous value. Super complex but none of the flavors are very "deep". Considering the youth, the color added and the chill filtration, this is a testament to the incredible talent of the blender.