Nikka Whisky From the Barrel

FOR today's post, we leave the shores of Scotland behind and head across to The Land of the Rising Sun to sample a rather exciting Japanese blend.
    Nikka Whisky From The Barrel is bottled at 51.4% and is instantly recognisable thanks to its unique flat-sided bottle and minimalistic label. It's a mouthwatering blend of grain and malt from the distilleries of Yoichi and Miyagikyo. There is no age statement here - something that is becoming increasingly common - but don't let that put you off; this is an excellent whisky, with a huge amount of complexity. On the nose, there's a huge smack of sweetness, with honey, chunky orange marmalade, maple syrup, bananas and almonds assaulting the senses, while a slight oaky note underpins the delicious aromas.
    Take a sip, and sweet floral notes are present, along with honey and warming, prickly spices. Despite the high alcohol content, this is suprisingly smooth, although a few drops of water help to knock down the heat and intesify the overall flavour.
    The long, dry finish is quite something, with the taste of candied orange, sweet caramel and spicy oak lingering on the palate.
    Nikka From The Barrel is an excellent drink and a perfect sipper for long, summer nights. Shop around and you should be able to pick up a bottle for around £30 and although it only comes in a 50cl bottle, a little goes a long way.

Comments

  1. I invested. I followed your advice in terms of leaving it to breathe for a while. Tasty but formidable without water! Your description was on the money. Definitely marmalade and fruit. Nutty sweetness and that dry spicy finish is unbelievably long.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Glad you enjoyed it, Steven. A good-sized dram can take around three teaspoons of water - really brings the flavours out and knocks back that high alcohol content. As you get further down the bottle, it changes and seems to become sweeter.

    ReplyDelete
  3. On the nose, there's a huge smack of sweetness, with honey, chunky orange marmalade, maple syrup, bananas and almonds assaulting the senses, while a slight oaky note underpins the delicious aromas. Whisky online

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment