Nikka – From the Barrel (50cl, 51.4%)

A Japanese blended whisky from Nikka, bottled at 51.4% ABV in a 50cl bottle. It combines two Nikka single malts, Miyagikyo and Yoichi, with a single grain whisky, and it is aged in bourbon barrels. It was named best Japanese blended whisky under 12 years old at the World Whiskies Awards 2007. The colour is old gold. The nose is refined and complex, floral and fruity, with spicy and leathery notes. The palate is powerful and spicy, with oak giving way to ripe fruit, caramelised apple and flowers. The finish is long, with marine notes and ripe fruit over wood and vanilla.