Appearance

The appearance of the Nikka Whisky From The Barrel (U.S.) is average. For a barrel proofed whisky, it’s fairly light with a faint amber brown.

Aroma

The immediate nosing response I get is how well the alcohol/ethanol is masked. The smoke is light, paired well with a game/meatiness and light oak. Further, other notes of cloves, vibrant green forest and honey are nicely intertwined with the smoke and oak.

Flavor

The flavors are full and vibrant, yet harmonious. There’s light smoke, light oak, toffee and honey up front. Reaching a bit deeper, baking spices and summer fruits round out the profile.

Balance

The balance for a barrel proofed whisky doesn’t get much better than this. There is a supreme balance of light oak, smoke, sweetness from toffee and honey. All of these flavors have absolutely no bearing on the alcohol uptick.

Finish

The finish is very good. The length is on the medium side where initially the sweeter and creamier honey and toffee takes charge and eventually light oak is lingering on for minutes.

Overall

Upon hearing about the US release of the Whisky From The Barrel, there was nothing but pure excitement on my end. NAS aside (I won’t complain about it… this time), a Japanese barrel proof priced at a great $65 MSRP shows a lot of promise, especially hearing about the international market’s delighted sentiments. Overall, the Nikka Whisky From The Barrel (U.S.) is a delicious youthful, vibrant and full flavored whisky hitting all the right flavor spectrums (wood, smoke, spices, sweetness, fruit). The only minor gripe I have would be to have a more complex and deeper finish. But then again, at $65 MSRP, there really isn’t anything else you can ask for. This one is well worth stocking up on.

Jiunn Liu

SCORE

8.17

Cost/Point

$7.96

Scoring System

Personal Spirit Review: Nikka Whisky From The Barrel (U.S.)