Nikka The Grain 2023 (70cl, 48%)

Nikka The Grain is a Japanese whisky bottled in 2023 at 48% in a 70cl bottle, part of the Nikka Discovery series. It is a blend of whiskies from Nikka's four distilleries, the oldest of which dates from 1988, matured in American oak casks. On the nose there is sweet vanilla with ripe pear and a hint of banana, alongside nuts, pastry, custard and caramel. The palate is rich yet soft, with oak, spice, corn and vanilla well integrated. The finish is long and full, with oak, hazelnut and balsamic notes.