Nikka 12 years old whisky review and tasting notes
The Nikka 12 years old whisky is an elegant, full-bodied, very full distillate, with exciting alcohol content and a dowry of complex and inviting aromas. We can safely say that this splendid bottle of Japanese whisky is the sum of the Nikka distillery’s abilities to produce elegant, sumptuous spirits, blending single malt and grain whisky with great ease.
A testimony of the precision that only the Japanese can achieve in the blend, in the use of wood and the dosage of every little detail. We are talking about an expensive product that exceeds the threshold of 100 euros and should not be compared to mass products such as the Chivas Regal 12, to name just one at random.
How is The Nikka 12 years old whisky produced?
It is a special edition produced to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the second Japanese whisky distillery, founded in 1934 by the legendary Masataka Taketsuru, the pioneer who started it all. It is a classic blend that comes from the union of fine single malt and grain, coming from the distilleries of Miyagikyo and Yoichi and aged for 12 years in wood. But as mentioned before it is not a “cheap blended whisky”, on the contrary, the single malt dominates, the grain is used to give sweetness and softness to the sip.
The criticism that many address to this whisky and many Nikka spirits is the high cost. Of course, it costs a lot, maybe even 10 euros too much, but Japanese distilleries do not sell whiskies to each other and therefore everything is done at home also for blended ones. So the matter is simple, the quality is paid for, the raw material is excellent of course, but it is the Zen mastery, the technique, the sensitivity the added values. The care put into the production of this bottle is incredible, the perfect balance, the pleasantness that renounces any stylization to aim for a measured play of contrasts. The alcohol content is 43 degrees, not too high, just above the minimum threshold: in any case, the sensation of heat is never aggressive.
Organoleptic characteristics of The Nikka 12 years old whisky
The bouquet is complex, full of petals to be leafed through one after the other. The heart is toasted with the malt that dominates, but here come cherry blossoms, herbs and very fine perfumes to refresh. The spicy contribution is massive, brand, but without mortifying, on the contrary, it emphasizes giving momentum with tones of cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of vanilla. The finish is splendid, an alternation of baked fruit, chocolate, licorice, caramel, butterscotch as if it were raining with citrus jam and a thin wisp of smoke that mixes with coffee.
On the palate, it is solid, mottled, muscular as a structure, with pepper and oxidized tones of almond, caramel and again the call of malt. The taste is well balanced, moving between velvety and other more severe tones. The length of the finish is good and a smoky touch still emerges, the sip has rhythm, moves smoothly and sumptuously.
It’s a masterpiece? No, it is only a stylistically perfect product: starting from these raw materials, it could not be done better, it does not want to be the definitive whisky or a champion of territoriality, however, the charm is undeniable and the drinkability is stellar.
Price of The Nikka 12 years old whisky
110 euros: a price that reflects the quality of a large-scale product, but which is perhaps not for everyone. After all, it is a special edition dedicated to Japanese whisky lovers, designed to suit their tastes. If you are a collector it is an excellent investment, it will acquire value over the years. Nice shape of the bottle, very elegant, reminiscent of the shapes of a Japanese kimono.
Food Pairings
Dark chocolate, salmon terrines, brisket and pulled pork, chocolate salami, apple pie, tiramisu, creme brùlée.