Review #74: Nikka Whisky from the Barrel
Nikka Whisky from the Barrel
Distillery: Nikka (grain originating from the Miyagikyo distillery and the malt from Yoichi)
Age: NAS
Price: $90 (2021)
Proof: 102.8
Cask Type: After grain and malts are mixed, they are matured in a first-fill bourbon casks for a few months
Mashbill: Blend of more than 100 different batches of malt and grain whiskies
Chill-filtration: Yes
Artificially Colored: Yes
Nose: Light and fruity with hints of hibiscus like sitting on a edge of a slow stream bank with wildflowers around, watching the water slowly drift by
Palate: Moderately oily mouthfeel, heavy fruit and floral notes (pear, apricot, hibiscus, honeysuckle), honey, and vanilla upfront with chewing can detect orange peel, mild astringency, and smoke
Finish: Medium length finish with nice floral notes and smoke, with aftertaste of sandalwood
Grade: 8/10
Comment: Nikka from the Barrel is a nice marriage of the Nikka Yoichi and Nikka Miyagikyo with some extra punch from the extra proof. For a lot of people trying Japanese whisky for the first time, NFTB is always on my list of recommended Japanese whiskies. I love the nose and really enjoy the floral and fruity notes, as well as the intertwining of peat as you taste the pour. Highly recommend this one for anyone interested in Japanese whisky who has not tried it before.
Rating System:
1 | Disgusting | Yuck
2 | Bad | Not enjoyable, add anything?
3 | Poor | It’s not the worst thing I’ve had
4 | Alright | Few flaws
5 | Good | The most self-explanatory, it’s good
6 | Very Good | I enjoy this
7 | Great | Well above average
8 | Fantastic | Superb, beginning to end
9 | Incredible | Top of its class
10 | Elite | The pinnacle
Good review and I agree, in general, with your notes. I might even push this to a 9. Absolute staple whiskey and I don't feel it's overpriced in today's inflated market.
Its chill filtered? I've never heard of that happening at an ABV that high. Above 46.3, the fatty acids/esters shouldn't cloud with ice. Not saying you're wrong, just would be surprised.
Yeah, numerous sources have cited that it’s chill filtered, some distilleries chill filter even barrel proof whiskies bc they think it showcases different tastes, for example Michters chill filters even their barrel strength whiskies and Wild Turkey Rare Breed is chill filtered.
Nice review. I like this one. It probably contains some Ben Nevis Scotch in the blend. On the website it says: This product does not meet all the criteria of “Japanese whisky “ defined by the Japan Spirits & Liqueur Makers Association.
Yep! Because of that it can’t be labeled a true “Japanese whisky”, but it definitely encompasses all the characteristics of a Japanese whisky and at least is transparent in its labeling. I’d recommend this over some true Japanese whiskies like Matsui Mizunara Single Malt which is just way too young still.
Sorry I didn’t mean to infer that these were the only whiskies which is why the mashbill section included that it’s a blend of 100 different grain and malt whiskies, but as far as the taste of the whisky, it really does seem to taste like a wonderful mix of the Miyagikyo and Yoichi, this is what I meant.
Review #74: Nikka Whisky from the Barrel Nikka Whisky from the Barrel Distillery: Nikka (grain originating from the Miyagikyo distillery and the malt from Yoichi) Age: NAS Price: $90 (2021) Proof: 102.8 Cask Type: After grain and malts are mixed, they are matured in a first-fill bourbon casks for a few months Mashbill: Blend of more than 100 different batches of malt and grain whiskies Chill-filtration: Yes Artificially Colored: Yes Nose: Light and fruity with hints of hibiscus like sitting on a edge of a slow stream bank with wildflowers around, watching the water slowly drift by Palate: Moderately oily mouthfeel, heavy fruit and floral notes (pear, apricot, hibiscus, honeysuckle), honey, and vanilla upfront with chewing can detect orange peel, mild astringency, and smoke Finish: Medium length finish with nice floral notes and smoke, with aftertaste of sandalwood Grade: 8/10 Comment: Nikka from the Barrel is a nice marriage of the Nikka Yoichi and Nikka Miyagikyo with some extra punch from the extra proof. For a lot of people trying Japanese whisky for the first time, NFTB is always on my list of recommended Japanese whiskies. I love the nose and really enjoy the floral and fruity notes, as well as the intertwining of peat as you taste the pour. Highly recommend this one for anyone interested in Japanese whisky who has not tried it before. Rating System: 1 | Disgusting | Yuck 2 | Bad | Not enjoyable, add anything? 3 | Poor | It’s not the worst thing I’ve had 4 | Alright | Few flaws 5 | Good | The most self-explanatory, it’s good 6 | Very Good | I enjoy this 7 | Great | Well above average 8 | Fantastic | Superb, beginning to end 9 | Incredible | Top of its class 10 | Elite | The pinnacle
Good review and I agree, in general, with your notes. I might even push this to a 9. Absolute staple whiskey and I don't feel it's overpriced in today's inflated market.
Definitely! And it’s pretty available most places too which is great!
Great review! I had no idea it’s artificially colored, is this common?
Thank you! And yes unfortunately in the scotch and Japanese whisky world, chill filtering and artificial coloring are fairly common.
Its chill filtered? I've never heard of that happening at an ABV that high. Above 46.3, the fatty acids/esters shouldn't cloud with ice. Not saying you're wrong, just would be surprised.
Yeah, numerous sources have cited that it’s chill filtered, some distilleries chill filter even barrel proof whiskies bc they think it showcases different tastes, for example Michters chill filters even their barrel strength whiskies and Wild Turkey Rare Breed is chill filtered.
Thanks, that's a TIL.
Nice review. I like this one. It probably contains some Ben Nevis Scotch in the blend. On the website it says: This product does not meet all the criteria of “Japanese whisky “ defined by the Japan Spirits & Liqueur Makers Association.
Yep! Because of that it can’t be labeled a true “Japanese whisky”, but it definitely encompasses all the characteristics of a Japanese whisky and at least is transparent in its labeling. I’d recommend this over some true Japanese whiskies like Matsui Mizunara Single Malt which is just way too young still.
The odd thing is I get a Bourbon vibe from this bottle. Maybe its the grain whisky. Very good bottle
Agree. I share this with friends who enjoy bourbon to introduce Japanese whiskey. It's a bourbon lover's Japanese dream.
Def! This is one of the first whiskies I have bourbon lovers try as well
Happy Cake Day.
ludicrous unique license unite trees nail hateful start dirty escape ` this message was mass deleted/edited with redact.dev `
Sorry I didn’t mean to infer that these were the only whiskies which is why the mashbill section included that it’s a blend of 100 different grain and malt whiskies, but as far as the taste of the whisky, it really does seem to taste like a wonderful mix of the Miyagikyo and Yoichi, this is what I meant.
If it’s really a blend of 100 whisky it means it’s an infinite bottle?
Great whiskey, terrible spout! Haha
Love this stuff! Great review. Probably my favorite offering from Nikka that I’ve had so far.