Nikka From the Barrel

Nikka is the second largest Japanese whisky producer after Suntory. It is a very popular brand among Japanese whisky drinkers. Founded in 1934, a large range of single malts and blended whiskies are produced yearly between its two distilleries. The two whisky distilleries, Yoichi (in Yoichi, Hokkaido) and Miyagikyo (in Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture).

While produced in Japan, Nikka from the Barrel does not really fulfill all the requirements to be called ‘Japanese whisky’ per se. The website simply states that ‘the product does not meet all the criteria of Japanese whisky defined by the Japan Spirits & Liqueur Makers Association’.

Whether fully Japanese or not, it is big-boned and bursting with character, Japanese whiskey Nikka from the Barrel is a real star. It is an award winning whisky, winning the top prize in its category at the World Whisky Awards in 2007 then again in 2010. Indeed, a superb whisky.

Touted for being full of flavour, Nikka from the Barrel reviews are mostly favourable. Bottled at 51.4% ABV (almost equivalent to 90 British proof), the blend combines single malt and grain whisky from Nikka’s two distilleries. This combination consists of more than 100 different batches of malt and grain whiskies! Wow!

The blended whisky is then married in a huge variety of casks, including bourbon barrels, sherry butts and refill hogsheads and matured for another few months. This marriage process harmonizes all components of the formula, resulting in a mellow tasting yet huge depth of flavour in this best whisky.

Through repeated experimentation, Nikka blenders have achieved the ideal taste profile.

On the nose, the Nikka whisky has a medium-body with good balance. You can smell the notes of cut flowers and fresh fruits wafting from your whisky glass and it will transport you back to Japan. There are also notes of spices and a bit of oak.

On the palate, it is full-bodied and punchy. You can taste plenty of winter spice and toffee with some caramel and vanilla. There is a grainy sweetness and candied orange peel, making the whisky quite rich. Nikka Whiskey from the Barrel is also accompanied by rich cinnamon and clove.

The blended whisky has a long and fruity finish. There is a delightful balance between spicy pepperiness and rich citrus fruit with a little oaken spice, satisfying the taste buds of many whisky drinkers.