Nikka Super Rare Old (70cl, 43%)

Nikka Super Rare Old is a blended Japanese whisky bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. It is a soft, balanced blend with gentle peat, hints of vanilla and sherry, and light smoke and ash set against the sweetness. Masataka Taketsuru created Super Nikka in 1962, working with his son Takeshi after Rita's death. It appeared that October as the house's finest whisky of the time, first in a hand-blown crystal bottle. Nikka blends and bottles it itself. On the nose there are sage, lilac and lavender alongside mirabelle, wood and a fine touch of cumin. The palate is lively yet soft, with honey, almond milk, malt, violets and an ashy note. The finish is gentle, with light smoke, herbs and aniseed.