Nikka Pure Malt Red (50cl, 43%)

Nikka Pure Malt Red is a blended malt Japanese whisky, made only from malt whiskies and bottled at 43% in a 50cl bottle. It was first released in 1984 by master blender Takeshi Taketsuru, who wanted people to enjoy 100% malt. The Red is built mainly around malt from the Miyagikyo Distillery and is meant to be floral and vibrant. The blend includes components from sherry casks. The nose has honey, sherry cask, floral notes, vanilla, nuts, pear and quince. The palate is syrupy with honey, quince and herbs, then woody notes and some bitterness. The finish is malty and toasty, the bitterness slowly fading.