Nikka's star whisky "From the barrel" is a blend of the group's single malts(Miyagikyo and Yoichi) and a grain whisky.
A must!
Tasting notes from Thomas
The nose appears balanced and structured. Fruit (mainly apricot) responds to malty cereals, while a hint of smoke appears to be approaching. Flowers emerge after a few moments, bringing a bouquet of lilac, lily and magnolia. Sweet spices such as nutmeg finally join this rather complete profile.
The opening reveals leather and baked apples with brown sugar. Dilution removes the heavier notes. The nose is lighter and spring-like, revolving mainly around buttery apples and flowers. The spices are not very powerful, but change register (pepper, clove).
The texture, on the palate, is lively but allows for a nice explosiveness. Slightly smoky cereals mingle with brown sugar baked apples. Then we continue our exploration with flowers (lilac, roses), more heady than on the nose. More robust spices (pepper, clove) then leave an interesting imprint. The whole remains sufficiently sweet and therefore not drying.
Dilution intertwines the aromas, making it easier to drink.
The finish is rather punchy with sugar apples, nicely enhanced by clove and pepper. A comforting warmth, combined with spicy sweetness, lingers before apple and nutmeg flavors break through. Dilution calms the spicy ardor somewhat, without making the finish linear.
"An iconic Japanese blend that exploits both fruity and spicy flavors... "
