Nikka Frontier (50cl, 48%)

Nikka Frontier is a blended whisky released for the 90th anniversary of Nikka Whisky, in a 50cl bottle at 48% ABV. Its name pays tribute to founder Masataka Taketsuru and his ambition of making bold, peated whisky at Yoichi. A substantial share of heavily peated Yoichi malt sits at its core, and malt whisky makes up at least 51% of the blend. The label lists British and Japanese origins. It is non-chill filtered and has a vivid amber colour. The nose shows sweet oak, bright citrus and marmalade fruit over malt, gentle smoke and a faint coastal salinity. The palate is smooth and full-bodied, with orange, bitter chocolate, caramel, baked apple, charcoal and peat. The finish is long, with soft oak and lingering smoke.