Nikka Whisky From The Barrel

Time for another dram!

A delightful Blended Whisky

A bit about

The company was established in 1934 under the name Dai-Nippon Kaju, with the Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido being the first one built. The first Nikka Whisky was released in 1940.

In 1952, the company rebranded as Nikka Whisky and moved its headquarters to Tokyo.

The Miyagikyo Distillery opened in 1969, and Nikka from the Barrel was released in 1985.

Nikka From the Barrel has 51.4% ABV. It is a blend of single malt and single grain whiskies.

With an easy-to-remember bottle design, it's quite easy to spot on any bar shelf.

Time to try it!

Nose: Slightly sharp but fresh, with oak and caramel (and a hint of fresh fruit)

Palate: More caramel, vanilla and a bit of spice. Neat, it can be a bit sharp on the palate, but adding a drop of water removes the fieryness and releases so much more of the sweetness and oaky tones

Finish: Medium, with a lot of oak, a hint of spice and mellow sweetness

Pros and Cons

Neat, it's a bit too strong for my taste, but served with a drop of icy cold water or with a few ice cubes, it's an absolutely delicious whisky (for me, at least).

If you're new to the whisky world, I wouldn't recommend it neat, as it can be a bit on the sharper and stronger side, especially compared to the likes of Yamazaki.

In conclusion

Nikka from the Barrel is one of the first Japanese whiskies I've ever tried (many, oh so many years ago). Ever since, I've come back to it now and again, and it has never disappointed.

It's quite flavourful and has no trace of peat, and although it might be better suited for the colder months of the year, it's great to enjoy all year round.

Nikka from the Barrel is priced at around £45 on most UK websites.

If you want to give this one a try, you can find it here.