Nikka Whisky from the Barrel: tasting notes and review
The Nikka Whisky From The Barrel is a splendid distillate for elegance, character and intensity, but for once it is not a single malt. Indeed it is a blend wisely studied by Nikka master distillers, who have combined single malt and grain whisky from the Yoichi and Miyahikyo distilleries to create a lashing, hard and pure distillate.
This work made Nikka Whisky From The Barrel irresistible, one of the best Japanese whiskies in Japan, at least in this price range (35 euros per half-liter). First of all, it’s not a peaty whisky, you won’t even hear a distant memory of it, but it makes up for it with herbaceous aromas and flavors and delicious spiciness.
Forget for a moment the wild (and marine) nature of Scottish whiskies, but don’t think of a mellifluous or complacent whisky, as soon as you put it in your mouth it will caress your palate with an alcoholic whip, of the magnitude of 51 degrees.
However, all this material is chiseled with skill, care and great attention: let’s say it is deliberately rude, but with grace. A velvet-gloved slap. But let’s go to the comment, we are slipping into BDSM …
The scents of Nikka Whisky From The Barrel
They range from sweet spices to more pungent ones, passing through hints of coffee, memories of roots and more tannic aromas such as walnuts and rhubarb. Vanilla finish.
What does Nikka Whisky From The Barrel taste like?
It is incandescent, spicy, but mottled with a symphony of fleshy fruit, flowers, and menthol notes on the palate. Despite the alcoholic aggression, it is in good balance once you have tuned the palate to its wave frequency.
But remember that it is full, warm, pungent and very structured whisky, which focuses on the intensity and not on a graceful charm.
How to drink Nikka Whisky from the Barrel?
Smooth, without ice, but never hot. Pay attention to the temperature of the bottle, which must never exceed 20 degrees. At most, you can add 2 tablespoons of water to enhance the floral and citrus scents and lower the alcohol content. A classic Old Fashioned with Nikka Whisky from the Barrel is pure magic if you want to make a cocktail. And in this way, the alcoholic arrogance of the distillate is attenuated for a moment.
What dishes to pair with Nikka Whisky From The Barrel?
Grilled salmon, smoked tuna, sbrisolona, chocolate cake, chocolate salami.
