Nikka Blended

This is my second Japanese Whisky experience, the first being Hibiki Harmony, which was beautiful. It's a pretty good whisky; you can discern its youth just by tasting it. It's a bit deceptive as the nose is quite different from the palate. Upon opening the bottle, a honey note is immediately apparent. In the glass, you'll find the floral notes typical of Japanese drams, very little peat, some vanilla, but the most distinct aroma is orange peel. The palate is entirely different. As soon as you taste it, the reaction is, 'What is this? I didn't smell this.' There's a wood flavor. Not an oaky wood flavor, but a different kind of wood. Perhaps cardboard. Very intriguing. Damp cardboard. Quite peppery, nutty, with a medicinal syrup touch. (A remedy for the throat) A very interesting flavor profile, but it has a medium body and absolutely no finish, which is unacceptable and leads to deducted points. Nevertheless, it's a good whisky, and I enjoyed tasting and nosing it. I recommend it. 75/100

I sampled this after a Highland Park 12, which I would rank around 85. (This is to help you compare my palate) In my view, this is a rather nice one. It seems very light; I had to double-check the bottle to confirm the alcohol content. There's a subtle spicy finish. It's the best blend I've encountered so far.

A minimalist, Japanese blended whisky from Nikka Distilleries. It begins intensely with notes of fruit and vanilla; its creamy middle adds notes of tropical fruit and vanilla; leading to a refined end. October 2017 / August 2022

Smooth, with an almost perfumed aroma. An interesting aftertaste and a pleasant oily texture. Fruity notes are present, but without excessive sweetness; no sugar is detected, very pleasant and interesting for focused tasting

Golden color, light aroma. Immediately fresh citrus, then a milder sweet flavor. Malty, followed by a tea-like bitterness in the finish.

Sweet, with hints of vanilla, a spicy finish, alcohol is well-incorporated, balanced and very pleasant to drink