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robwalker

Nikka Whisky From the Barrel

Blended — Japan

Reviewed December 13, 2020 (edited February 6, 2021)
4.5
4.5 out of 5 stars
I've had a few drinks from this bottle, and have definitely enjoyed them but thought it was a good time to analyze things a little further. First off, I find the name a bit misleading in that it implies a single barrel to me, although that is obviously not the case. Regardless, here goes... Nose: Green apples, caramelized pears, followed by smoky oak, and then subsequently mashing all of this together.... After adding water, I get some anise, allspice and cinnamon. Maybe even licorice all-sorts which I really don't like, but it doesn't depreciate the nose here and it makes me think that it might be worth trying them again? But then I think about it and realize that no, they are gross. Palate: Fairly high alcohol hit at first, caramelized sugar with a hint of peat smoke. Nice full mouthfeel, and some very nice bittersweet notes. I don't get a lot of the fruit that I initially had on the nose. Finish: Quite long, the flavours are reminiscent of the grainy malty finish of Irish whiskies. Lingering nicely on the back of the palate (autocorrect put "prostate" instead of "palate"... glad I checked that... Although I did consider whether that might be a representative statement, I decided that "palate" was more suitable). Flavours linger well into the next sip even after adding some water, and is a definite strength of this bottle. Overall, a very enjoyable whisky. It seems really dialed in to the flavours it is after. Full and complete. One of my problems with this is the bottling at 500mL and the pricing. I wish they would bottle this at 750mL just because. That being said, for $65 CDN, it puts it at about $100 equivalent, which I feel is reasonable, especially at 51% ABV, I think there's just something about buying a smaller bottle for me. This is a great option whisky when you want full flavor and a broad spectrum of flavours as a result of the blend here. It is well balanced and I don't think many would be disappointed by this offering from Nikka.
65.0 CAD per Bottle
  • rawalker
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  • CKarmios
    January 7, 2021

    @robwalker Quite right. Costs can escalate rather quickly for whisky makers who want to sell in the US. Personally, I would prefer a granular 50 cl, 75 cl and 100 cl universal standard, with a small discount given to the largest size. The 50 cl bottles would be ideal for people who like to keep (and taste) a respectable number of bottles open at the same time. "

  • robwalker
    January 4, 2021

    @CKarmios I was just listening to a podcast where a European distiller was talking about 750ml bottles vs 700ml bottles, which is the standard apparently in the EU, and it is significantly more expensive for them to bottle theirs in 750ml as well as their standards so they can sell in North America.... they would prefer to be able to bottle all in 700ml, so I wonder if the same is true, or something similar for the Japanese ones that are bottled at 500ml

  • cascode
    January 4, 2021

    @CKarmios As far as I know this blend is married in individual barrels (of varying types) rather than in the usual huge steel tank. That plus the slightly higher than usual abv for a blend plus the name is probably meant to suggest something to do with single casks or barrel strength, but it's just marketing. Meh, I can forgive them, it's great whisky.

  • robwalker
    January 2, 2021

    @Grumpious I prefer this over the Coffey grain...I find that one good, but a little bit sweeter and more Canadian whisky-esque....I believe it is 95% corn? I think this one is a better value for dollar in my mind, and the price isn't too bad.

  • Grumpious
    January 2, 2021

    I know I can trust your palate (no auto correct) as I too believe licorice all sorts are gross. I have the Nikka Coffey grain and was wondering about this bottle and sounds like it might need to be my next purchase

  • CKarmios
    December 24, 2020

    Enjoyable review. I’m guessing they mean cask strength but at 51% ABV I may be wrong. I too was initially misled by the price for a 50 cl bottle, then decided to punish them and bought something else

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