Nikka Whisky From the Barrel

Sweet notes, vainilla, some smoke, smooth, apricot

Nikka From the Barrel is seldom seen in these parts; so imagine my surprise when my neighborhood mom/pop spirits shop had three bottles on the shelf. They were offering it a couple bucks under the SRP of $74.99. (Online shops tend to sell it in the $100-200 range.) In my rush to sample my new find I poured a straw colored dram, nosed the glass to catch ripe fruit, honey, sandalwood, vanilla, and barrel char. In the mouth it was silky, though thin, on the tongue. The layers of flavored played out on the tongue. This is a blend of over 100 different barrels of varying ages, a mixture of single malts and grain whiskies, from two different distilleries--one using pot stills and one using coffee (continuous) stills. My initial reaction was this resulting whiskey was very similar to a good quality Irish pot still whiskey. That was unfair of me. Another day, another pour, and a little patience to allow the whiskey to breathe a little----then--this whiskey blooms. All the afore mentioned flavors seem to have grown fuller and rounder, this time there is a distinct touch of smoky peat--subtle, like in Johnnie Walker Gold. Didn't catch that at all the first time. Trying it with a few drops of water seems to increase the peppery wood spice. Odd. This is a very fine whiskey. When considering present pricing there are others I prefer at this price point. If you are bourbon/rye drinker who doesn't give a fig for Irish or Scotch, I don't think this Japanese blend is for you.

Bu avec de l’eau. Très complexe, mais agréable.

Though I’m not a big scotch drinker, I really like this whiskey. Wide array of fruits, and not very smoky (which I prefer). The color and the nose are also very enjoyable.