Nikka Whisky From the Barrel

Alright, now that I’ve jumped in head first into peated and non-peated scotches (I’m a bourbon fanatic), it’s time to check out some Japanese whiskeys. I’ve had a few, but none of the Nikka’s, until now... The nose is sweet and spicey with dried fruit (raisins, apricots), apple, malt, some smoke, vanilla, lightly dusty wood, and paprika spice. The palate is sweet, oily, spicey and rich. There is malt, dried fruit, vanilla, caramel, spicey peppers, dusty wood and black pepper. Maybe it’s the power of suggestion, but I do get a unique rich tingling sensation on the very baaack of the palate that might suggest the unami sense. The finish is long with initial pop of smoke, then malt, slight saltiness, then lingering pepper spices and vanilla. This one is very good from the start and just keeps evolving after each sip. I am very impressed! And the abv is great and what I am used to in bourbon. Would definitely recommend if you enjoy malt whiskies or whiskey in general and want to try something a little more unique.

Medium peat on nose and pallet Taste starts with pure sweetness, followed by the peat hitting your sinus and finishes with a nice bit of heat and spice. Orange marmalade and baking spice. Like a version of Monkey shoulder with warmth turned up and fermentation funk turned down plus the peat of a Highland Park 12

Orange caramel deliciousness with hints of smoke and vanilla.

This just isn’t for me at this time so please don’t let my low rating affect your decision. I’m not a peat fan and although the peat is not overpowering, it is definitely there a little too much for me and I just can’t get past it to detect the other flavors.