Nikka Super Rare Old

The distiller's score for this doesn't inspire confidence, but given Gentleman Jack's score of 91, anything is possible. The aroma is very dominated by malt and honey, with some slightly harsh phenolic notes at the edges. It's simple and pleasant, nothing remarkable. The taste is better than the aroma suggested, starting with more honey sweetness, abundant grain, white pepper, and a stronger heat than expected for 43% ABV. Those harsh notes from the aroma reappear, with just the faintest traces of ash and wood in the background. It also has just enough oiliness to feel more premium than its price suggests. The finish is of medium length with little depth; a bit of spice, a touch of tannic bitterness, and that's all. I actually find this superior to its rating. While I wouldn't actively seek out this bottle again, I wouldn't refuse a serving at a bar.

Nikka Super Rare Old Revival Limited Edition An intense blended Japanese Whisky from the Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido, Japan, crafted by Masataka Taketsuru. Revival combines Sherry-aged Nikka and Yoichi components, specially bottled for the European market. It possesses a complex profile with initial notes of dried herbs, exotic spice, roasted almonds, citrus, malt, cooked apples, porridge oats, pear, beeswax, and honey. The rich, oily body then reveals notes of golden syrup, sweet honey, nougat, lemongrass, orange zest, toffee, fragrant oak, subtle tarragon in new oak, peanut butter, redcurrant, potpourri, and cocoa. This leads to a long, crisp finish with hints of stewed fruits, baking spices, ginger, clove, sherry, subtle smoke, cinnamon, and digestive biscuits. Bottled between October 2018 and August 2022.

Nose: Features notes of honey, pear, light malty brown sugar, vanilla, oak, and possibly a sherry finish, overall quite straightforward. Taste: Starts with honey and light crisp fruit, followed by peppery spice, a hint of herbal quality, and a light ashy tone. The finish is medium in length. If I were told this was an inexpensive blended Scotch, I would believe it. It strongly resembles Scotch rather than Japanese whisky. It's a simple but enjoyable spirit to sip. Worth trying.

The flavors on the palate match the nose. Banana, honey, and vanilla are present, along with mild wood spices. Hints of pears, apples, and light citrus fruits. A very faint touch of peat. It's not particularly memorable or complex, but it is undeniably attractive and easy to drink. Well-balanced, as one would expect from a Japanese blend. It would serve as an excellent introductory whisky for a novice. Difficult to fault.

Appalling concoction!! While this has a high price rating, it's among the least expensive Nikka whiskies in Japan, so don't be deceived; it's a very low-quality whisky sometimes presented as an undiscovered Nikka treasure. Merely considering it makes my mouth feel unpleasant.

Intense charred oak is immediately apparent, then it yields to sweeter sherry notes at the end. A very nice equilibrium between wood and berries makes this an intriguing spirit.