Nikka Pure Malt Black Whisky

Perhaps the name "Black" subconsciously influences me, but I'd compare this to a superior, more focused, all-malt (and clearly Japanese) rendition of Johnnie Walker Black Label. The aroma presents smoke (a blend of campfire and damp earth), salt, sea air, pepper, and lemon zest. There are notes of caramel/toffee and vanilla. Pretzel. A trace of red fruits like apples and berries. Powdered sugar. Surprisingly full-bodied for 43% ABV, with sugar/maple syrup, more lemon zest, caramel, and many of the aromatic elements repeated – smoke, salt, sweetness. Some spice/warmth, vanilla, and more maple syrup alongside cedar and a hint of dark chocolate. A brief, sharp finish – warmth, wood, sweetness, then it vanishes. A bit expensive for its value (approximately $50 for 500mL in Canada; that unusual bottle size contributes to its absence in the US), but genuinely enjoyable. Even at its relatively low ABV, it performs exceptionally well in various settings: neat, with a single large ice cube, diluted with water, or in a highball. I've come to understand that this adaptability seems common to most Japanese whiskies I've sampled (unlike their Scottish counterparts, which can sometimes be overwhelmed by water or ice).

Nikka consistently produces beautiful products, and this whisky is no exception. A very smoky and extremely pleasant dram, presented in a very simple decanter. It's all about the flavor, not the marketing. This "pure malt" designation signifies a Blended Malt, a legal term used until 2005 when Johnnie Walker's actions prompted the Scotch Whisky Association to adopt "Blended Malt" as the official term for a mixture of single malts from different distilleries without grain whisky in the recipe, only barley. This spirit is bottled at 43% ABV and has a lovely amber color. The nose is quite aromatic, with notes of hay, dry brown grass, old orange peel, grassy vanilla, burnt dry grass, and malted barley. On the palate, it's a bit direct but very pleasing, featuring orange and hay predominantly. It's a spicy, well-balanced dram with malted barley notes. The aftertaste is simply amazing, with just two very clean, enjoyable notes: tobacco and a light smoke. Delicious. Overall, it's so good that my scoring system indicated 87, but I'm adding one more point solely because of how pleasant and easily drinkable it is. 88 out of 100. Cheers!

The last sample of the evening is Nikka Pure Malt Black. This is an age-stated blended malt whisky from Japan, and it's also my first Japanese whisky, which is noteworthy! Bottled at 43% ABV, it displays a medium gold color in the glass. It leaves a nice oily coating on the glass with decent legs. The nose presents light grassy/floral notes, some citrus, and orchard fruits. There isn't much noticeable smoke, but there is a very slight alcohol burn. It's not bad, but not particularly impressive. The palate is much better, with a slightly dark sweetness akin to light caramel, along with apples and honey. There's a mild heat and some dark sweet cereal tones. It's quite nice. The finish is a bit disappointing; it's short, malty, and finally reveals a hint of smoke. This Nikka expression is not available in the US. It's priced at $51 on MasterOfMalt. If I could find a bottle locally for $51, I would consider purchasing it. Overall, it's not bad. Rated 3.75 out of 5. Cheers!

The aroma offers a gentle minty peat. Notes of dark fruit and a maltiness resembling damp, aged grass clippings are present. The initial taste is sharp, spicy, and dry. The peat becomes more prominent during development, accompanied by woody spice and ginger. Mint returns in the finish. I generally find Japanese blended whiskies to be consistently good. This is a well-made and reasonably priced blend suitable for sipping neat.

A rich blended malt composed of whisky from Nikka's Yoichi & Miyagikyo distilleries. It begins with floral notes and hints of fruit, a touch of spice, citrus/orange peel, apricot, vanilla extract, caramel & wood. Its rich life adds notes of chocolate & nutmeg (reminiscent of a spicy Christmas cake), leading to a long, warm & creamy finish with notes of oak, a hint of smoke, red chili & vanilla. October 2017 / July 2020 / August 2022.

Aroma: plum, sweet with vanilla notes, but requires caution to avoid inhaling alcohol vapor. Hints at a spicy impact to come. Taste: sweetness is followed by the anticipated sharp spice. Finish: sweet, spicy, somewhat bitter. A faint smokiness lingers. A quality dram, though excessively spicy for my preference.