Nikka – Whisky From the Barrel (51.4%)

Nikka Whisky From the Barrel is a Japanese blended whisky bottled at 51.4% in a small, square bottle. It was launched in 1985 by Takeshi Taketsuru, with the aim of giving drinkers the experience a master blender has when tasting straight from the cask. The colour is a deep amber. The nose offers brioche, mint, orange peel, walnut and cream caramel, while the palate is oily and concentrated, with caramel, butter, cinnamon, ripe stone fruit and a light peppery note. The finish is long and warm, with oak, vanilla, plum and peach, and it develops further with a drop of water.