Nikka Whisky From the Barrel 51.4% ABV - Possibly the best Japanese whisky you can actually buy
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I’ll stand out on a (not so high) limb and say that Nikka Whisky from The Barrel is the best Japanese whisky that you can both find, and actually afford. There are lots of issues with Japanese whisky, and as far as drinking, this is one of the few solutions available to those that want to explore the category.
It’s not cask strength whisky, and it’s not single barrel whisky, but it is a blend of malt whisky from Yoichi Distillery and grain whisky from Miyagikyo distillery. While this is a blend of malt and grain, it’s beautifully constructed and malt forward. If there’s a grain note to this whisky, it’s there to enhance the flavours and not to cheapen the drink.
The whisky is “married” in oak casks for a couple of months, and then watered to a consistent 51.4% ABV, before bottling. From that perspective, it is indeed from the barrel. The biggest complaint with this whisky is it’s a touch too hot, but I’d rather have it hot and be able to water it myself than have it at a lower proof point.
Nikka Whisky From the Barrel 51.4% ABV
Distilleries: Yoichi Distillery & Miyagikyo Distillery
Category: Blended Japanese whisky, Malted Barley, Grain Whisky, No Age Statement
Score: 91
Nose: Honey and brown sugar are prominent. Dry fruits take on secondary notes (plums specifically), touches of fresh oak shavings, and hints of black tea. It has that oily rich tasting notes of saffron (I borrowed this tasting note from In Search of Elegance after desperately trying to figure it out). It’s a very promising, inviting nose.
Palate: Barley forward (surprising considering the nose), with touches of caramel and dried fruits hitting the front of the palate. The oaky spicy note comes through toward the middle, and turns toward cinnamon spice and anise later. The caramel note is more prominent the more you sip at this one. I do enjoy the intensity at 51.4%. It mellows and gets sweeter when watered down by a few drops.
Conclusion: Japanese whisky is rare in many markets. The demands has far overpowered supply. However, Nikka From the Barrel is fairly available, priced well (for a sipper, or a mixer), and it’s delicious. It reminiscent of a gentler more complex cask strength scotch. So long as this is available, I’m going to keep buying it. It’s great. It’s quite possibly the best Japanese whisky you can actually buy in most markets.
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Disclaimer: Thank you to Woodman Wine & Spirits for providing me a bottle of this whisky for the purpose of this review. It had no baring on my review.
