The Nikka Nine Decades

Sampled at the Nikka Yoichi distillery in November 2024 for 10000JPY for a 10mL serving. Aroma: Caramel, chocolate, toasted grains, hints of raisins/prunes, and dried stone fruits. Taste: Gentle smoke, caramel, milk chocolate, raisins, and dried persimmons. Finish: Caramel and gentle smoke, dried fruits, with a lingering caramely tea. Score: 94/100. Overall: This was a very well-balanced dram, clearly containing some older whisky in the blend. The nose was fantastic, suggesting aged components, with notes of dark toasted grains and chocolate malt, plus subtle dried fruit undertones. Due to the small sample size, tasting notes are limited, but it was highly enjoyable and perfectly balanced. Would I drink it if offered? Yes. Would I specifically order it? Yes. Would I buy a bottle? No, considering the price. NOTE: All reviews exclude price considerations.

Upon entering a small basement establishment in Osaka, I observed this bottle alongside two 2019 Yoichi and Miyagikyo black bottles. I requested a recommendation from the bartender. He suggested this one, informing me it contains numerous Yoichi, Miyagikyo, Ben Nevis, and Nikka Coffey Grain components dating from the 1940s to the 1970s. It was quite impressive, offering a classic profile of old oak, sandalwood, apple pie, dusty notes, dark fruit, dark chocolate, and nuttiness. Aroma: Raisins, Sandalwood, Coconuts, Honey, Cinnamon, Apple Pie, Pineapples, Tobacco, Figs, Dark Chocolate, Morello Cherries, Pecan Pie, Grapefruits, Almond Zest Palate: Rum Raisins, Vanilla, Graham Crackers, Grapefruit, Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Fig Syrup, Apple Pie, Key Lime Pie, Plums, Smoke Aftertaste: Apple Pie, Cinnamon, Cloves, Dark Chocolate, Manuka Honey, Figs, Grapefruit, Papayas, Melons

Truly exceptional. Incredibly smooth, balanced, and well-crafted. Caramel, raisin, chocolate, stone fruits, with a whisper of smoke. A rare treat to experience.