Nikka "From The Barrel" Blended Japanese Whisky (750ml)

It's been a long time since we've had a chance to sit down and enjoy a bit of "From the Barrel." That's because this product has been next to impossible to lock down since it's award winning release and 2018 Whisky of the Year award. But since long before that I've coveted this little bottle and it's odd square shape, not for its rarity, but for it's incredible character. While the whisky does not meet the criteria for 'Japanese Whisky" in the new voluntary labelling system that the large Japanese producers have developed, the reason why makes it even more desirable in my book. This is almost certainly a blend of the well known single malts and grain whiskies made at Nikka's two distilleries (Yoichi, Miyagiko, and Coffey grain & malt), but also their exceptional Scottish distillery, Ben Nevis. These whiskies are all carefully blended into a marrying vat and slowly lowered to a hefty 51.4% abv for bottling. It remains one of the most characterful and charming Japanese made whiskies on the market and I think, along with Hibiki, should be considered a benchmark in the category -despite not qualifying technically as such. Here we go! The nose starts rich with vanilla and oak, almost bordering on bourbon levels of vanilla and caramel, but pointed with rich roasted espresso bean and tiny wisps of smoke and green earthy tones. The palate is full bodied with plenty of sweet cream, butterscotch and powerful barrel spice. This doesn't need any water, but loves to play on the rocks if you choose. It's also my absolute go to in a high ball these days, adding richness and character that many other lesser options lack. It's difficult to deny how damned appealing and drinkable it is -offering character without being challenging- and I also love that the price hasn't exploded exponentially like so many other hard to get Japanese whiskies. This is one of those whiskies I always buy a back up or two since I know it's going to get drunk.