Nikka – From The Barrel (50cl, 51.4%)

Nikka From The Barrel is a Japanese blended whisky in a 50cl bottle, bottled at 51.4%. Ex-bourbon barrels are the main influence during maturation, and the main part of the blend is Coffey still grain whisky made from a maize base. Since its launch in 2002 it has been Nikka's best vendor in Europe. The nose is fine and complex, with lilac, apricot, clove and some leather. The palate is strong and robust, peppery and oaky, with peach, caramelised apple and honeysuckle. The finish is long, with coastal notes, plum, oak and vanilla.