Nikka From the Barrel

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

(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.