Nikka Pure Malt Red Whisky

Nose: Sweet apples, grapes, a hint of soft citrus. Is it fruit salad? Candied ginger, a touch floral. Peanut butter – I agree with the peanut butter and jelly note. Freshly cut grass. Palate: Fruity, with a good amount of malt. Perhaps a tiny bit of smoke. Herbal and slightly minty, with honey as well. I almost detect a rosemary/thyme/sage herb combination, but that might be pushing it. Definitely thyme if any of them. Creamy. Butterscotch. At times, it reminds me of a lighter Clynelish, or the guava characteristic of a Springbank. Finish: Continues with the fruity, herbal notes. Overall: The nose was so intensely fruity, and the subtle hint of cut grass really came through on the palate. The herbal notes are truly pleasant and harmonize beautifully with the fruit. This could be an excellent spring beverage – light and revitalizing, yet intriguing and well-balanced. I might appreciate it at a higher proof, but 43% is acceptable.

The good thing about this is its silky smoothness. Beyond that, though, everything else suggests it wasn't meant for sipping neat but for mixing with a soft drink. The initial aroma is like walking into a flower shop, with strong floral notes that reminded me of a certain French whiskey. If I didn't know any better, I'd think I was about to taste cheap cognac. The flavor is citrusy, with orange peels and lime zest. I really dislike the finish; it's quite bitter, like the pith of lemons. What a disappointment. I'm not sure what to do with this full bottle now, having poured out two ounces. I wonder if it's effective for removing crayon marks from walls, thanks to my kindergartener.

An elegant, Japanese blended malt whisky from Nikka's Yoichi & Miyagikyo distilleries. It has a nutty start, reminiscent of the three Pure Malts, with fruits (peanut butter & jelly on toast); while a rich body adds notes of more fruitiness, buttery & clean with hints of cut herbs, sugar & spice; leading to a balanced finish of medium length with notes of soft malt & fruit with a hint of peat, coffee & oil. October 2017 / August 2022

Nose: almond, tangerine, mint, honey, and a hint of brine. Palate: barley, anise, and walnut. Overall: The nose is mediocre, the palate is good, and the finish is decent.

Disappointing. I expected better than the "from the barrel" version, but it's not. I prefer the "from the barrel" release. This one is a letdown.

Nose: Fruity, clean, nutty. Palate: Smooth, creamy, buttery, with malt, fruit, herbs, sugar, and spice. Finish: Balanced, sweet, soft malt, fruit.