Slainte-Mhath
Nikka Whisky From the Barrel
Blended — Japan
Reviewed
August 13, 2018 (edited June 7, 2021)
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 [+]
36.0
EUR
per
Bottle
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@Slainte-Mhath Huh! Thanks for that - at least they are being transparent on the website now. It's interesting that they say Ben Nevis "distillates" and not specifically new-make spirit. I wonder if they imported Ben Nevis low wines and then ran it through the Coffeey still insted of the normal second stage through a pot still. I can see how that would work but it seems like an awful lot of effort and it would be much more expensive than just importing new-make. It would be great to see Ben Nevis back in Scottish hands some day, preferably an independent owner. It's a favourite malt of mine but so often hard to get.
@cascode According to Nikka's website, Nikka Coffey malt 'does not meet all the criteria of “Japanese whisky “ defined by the Japan Spirits & Liqueur Makers Association. Coffey Malt is all distilled in Nikka’s Coffey stills, but a part of the old batches in the formula was made from distillates imported from Ben Nevis and then distilled in our Coffey stills as a part of our experiments in the past.'
@Slainte-Mhath Hang on - they re-distilled Ben Nevis new-make in a Coffey still?!?
@PBMichiganWolverine I was actually surprised that Taketsuru is 100% Japanese, I always suspected some Ben Nevis in this blended malt. Coffey Malt on the other hand was surprising, but it only affects older batches where they were running Ben Nevis destillate through their Coffey still. As for Nikka Days, it doesn't surprise that this expression is not 100% Japanese. I think it contains grain whisky from Loch Lomond...
@Slainte-Mhath I’m surprised , in a good way, that Coffey grain is Japanese.
Nikka released details which of their whiskies are 'Japanese whisky' under the new regulations: Miyagikyo, Yoichi, Nikka Taketsuru and Nikka Coffey Grain are 100% Japanese, while Nikka From the Barrel, Nikka Coffey Malt, The Nikka Tailored and Nikka Super contain non-Japanese whisky. https://www.nikka.com/eng/brands/ Now we finally know where all the Ben Nevis is! 😄
Additional comment: I had this bottle with me on my Around-the-World trip, and initially I was disappointed. With time (and oxygen in the bottle), it grew on me and I started to discover its intense complexity. It is craftfully blended and water certainly helps to unfold aroma and flavor. After the bottle went empty, I found it better than Hibiki (NAS). Enjoy!