Nikka From The Barrel / 51.4% / 0.5l

The popularity experienced by Japanese whisky in the new century has seriously shaken the basic laws of the market.

The supply of single malts meets a fraction of demand, blends are looking a bit better, with the emphasis on “a bit”. From the Barrel is not the most popular blend in Nikka’s portfolio, that honour is held by Nikka Black (2.8 million cases per year), but in our opinion the most interesting. It is a whisky blended from malt and grain distillates of various styles, mainly from the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, perhaps with a touch of Ben Nevis, which is also owned by Nikka Distilling Co. After the blending process is complete, the finished blend is decanted into refill barrels for a period of 3 to 6 months and only when the flavour and aroma elements have fully integrated does it go to the bottling plant.

Color: amber

Nose: fruity and spicy, oranges, bananas, apricots, vanilla, white pepper, a touch of cinnamon, walnuts and some oak.

Palate: sweet breakfast cereal, toffee, caramel, vanilla, nut nougat, orange peel, peaches, cinnamon, cloves and a hint of cocoa.

Finish : quite long, malty and spicy, with a delicate fruity sweetness and a hint of oak.