The Nikka 12 yo

 

 

 

43°

Distillery : Yoichi, Miyagikyo - Japan

Original Bottling

Core Range 

Blended Whisky

Launched in 2014

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the group's foundation, Nikka released this prestigious Blended in 2014. It was quickly overwhelmed by its disproportionate success, the price per bottle doubled and, due to a lack of available stock, production was discontinued just 5 years later.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A very smoky nose, you'd think you were in front of a cosy fireplace. It's snowing outside, the flames are crackling. Apricot jam, damp wool, vegetal notes. Very deep. Ashes too. Cereals, corn, wheat, Agen prunes. Very warm on the palate, a bit oily, woody, smoky, braised bread, nuts, black grapes, ripe apricots. Spices in the background. The finish is long and very balanced, combining wood, lemon and smoke. Black earth, humus, fern, moss.

 

In Short, 

An excellent blend, incredibly nuanced and balanced. No wonder it was a victim of its own success. You can still find one, but at a high price, and you'd better hurry, because these are the last ones.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

    

                                                    Mazzy Star - Fade Into You