Nikka From the Barrel

Notably balanced and elegant the colorful palette of whiskies combines for tremendous depth of flavor. Soft sweet butterscotch and orange peel meet poached pears and stone fruits. Earthiness appears as dried autumn leaves coffee old oak and tobacco. Among the tangle of spices tasters identified chili pepper allspice cloves and universally adored its ginger note. Finally wisps of smoke and sea salt. Overall it feels generously malty with the grain whisky lending broad sweetness and supple mouthfeel across the long finish.

Beyond its delightful flavors Nikka From the Barrel presents some paradoxes worthy of contemplation over a glass. It is a classic yet new to the U.S. It is typically Japanese yet singularly magnificent. It is delightful sipped neat and also blossoms with water. Even the simple squat bottle is in contrast to the profound complexity within. (Fortunately the 500 ml bottle offered in other markets received a supersizing for U.S. drinkers.)