Nikka Whisky From The Barrel

Nikka from the Barrel is big-boned and bursting with character. Not averse to a drop of water, either. A real star, winning top prize in its category at the World Whisky Awards in 2007 and 2010.

Japanese whisky producer Nikka was founded in 1934 and has become Japan’s second largest distiller, producing a large range of single malts and blended whiskies between its two distilleries – Yoichi and Miyagikyo.

TASTING NOTES

Tasting Notes by Stuart P

• • NOSE

    Spicy and peppery, but there’s a richness behind it, with spicy oak and soft orange fruitiness, and soft vanilla notes from the bourbon cask.

  • PALATE

    Grainy sweetness and candied orange peel, quite rich, accompanied by rich cinnamon and clove.

  • FINISH

    Great balance, this really needs a little water to allow the flavours to unfurl.

  • COMMENT

    Characterful stuff, this whisky has plenty of personality, and shows a delightful balance between the spicy pepperiness and rich citrus fruit.

• Tasting Notes by Dr Whisky

  • TASTING NOTES

    (Tasted with Tante Anne. Her notes appear in quotes.)

    Bubble gum, dry sherry, and a zip of orange zest. Evaporated milk, sweet caramel chews. 

    ‘Smells Japanese. Like old wooden Japanese homes’ (she has spent a lot of time in Japan).

    Minty sherry oak and plastic bags. Walnuts, raspberry seeds, delicious bittersweet notes like slices of Gala apples. Very dry finish with some pine and a cocoa smokiness.

  • SUMMARY

    Nose opened up with time and patience and made varied impressions. Water dulled the impact on the palate but helped discriminate between flavours. A very impressive package in a very impressive package. And another rich but affordable Japanese whisky. There is something Aberlour and Teaninich about it.

    Tried it as a mizuwari (served with water and ice) and it was gentle, but with a surprisingly complex array of flavours from brioche to cherries to chocolatey smoke.