Tag: Japanese Whisky

DRINK REVIEW: NIKKA COFFEY MALT WHISKY

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Whisky Tasting Notes

Nikka Coffey Malt Nose: Ethereal ballerinas arabesque around colourful meadows in soft sunshine. Citrus hangs in the air, vanilla is prominent and quality is apparent. Despite the name, it’s completely unrelated to ‘coffee’.

Nikka Coffey Malt Taste: This dram has everything Japanese whisky promises: body, richness, smoke, sweetness and spice. There are lemon drizzle cake and French Fancies dusted with coconut, with enough cinnamon backbone. Peaty earth and salty air don’t belong anywhere near this virgin bride of Jane Austen’s imagination.

Nikka Coffey Malt Finish: A medium-long finish of sugared almonds and a gaggle of bridesmaids wearing too much perfume. Nikka is an excellent after-dinner drink and an unusual, well-deserved addition to the liquor cabinet.

Flavour 8/10    Value 8/10

Buy Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky Here

Nikka Coffey Malt Japanese Whisky Review
Nikka’s highly unusual production method of a Coffey Still in malt and grain expressions.

Drink Review: Nikka Whisky From The Barrel

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Whisky Tasting Notes

Nikka Whisky From The Barrel Nose: Strolling through tall oak forests, with homemade orange & clove polenta cake wrapped up in an old leather satchel.

Nikka Whisky From The Barrel Taste: Surprisingly smooth given its 51.4% ABV and sub £40 price point, but it’s not the most polished of rides; there’s plenty of spice with a rich mouthfeel. The whisky tastes like nervously chewing on HB pencils, before comfort eating Terry’s Chocolate Orange.

Nikka Whisky From The Barrel Finish: A long, warm finish of cinnamon, allspice and candied orange. If you like whisky without smoke, you’ll struggle to find a better value and coolly branded product. As Nikka benefits from a little water, it makes a distinguished Old Fashioned, especially with The King’s Ginger Liqueur.

Flavour 7/10    Value 10/10

Buy Nikka Whisky From The Barrel Here

Nikka From The Barrel Japanese Whisky Review
Awarded Bronze Daily Dram – 2013 – Malt Maniacs

Drink Review: Suntory Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve Whisky

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Whisky Tasting Notes

Suntory Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve Nose: Not a huge amount going on: wafts of pine air softly breathe overhead, as Mojitos and menthol cigarettes are enjoyed in the post-storm sunshine of a woodland retreat.

Suntory Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve Taste: Tucking into under-ripe fresh fruit salad, regretting the lack of bacon barm, but convinced it’s the start of a new you. Good quality Chardonnay comes forward with gentle peppermint holding its hand. This would make a brilliant boozy birthday brunch with salmon, cucumber and mint blinis.

Suntory Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve Finish: A long, subtle finish; it’s a doting, mixed-race marriage between spritely Japanese Yuzu and wet English pear orchard that love each other but like to argue.

Flavour 7/10    Value 7/10

Buy Suntory Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve Here

The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky Distiller’s Reserve Review
From the Hakushu distillery in the foothills of Mount Kaikomagatake.