Nikka From The Barrel: The Best Japanese Whisky You Can Actually Buy — 51.4% Marriage of Yoichi and Miyagikyo

First Impressions

Nikka From The Barrel is a marriage of malt whisky from Yoichi Distillery (Hokkaido) and grain whisky from Miyagikyo (Miyagi prefecture). After blending, the whisky is 'married' in oak casks for a couple of months, then bottled at a consistent 51.4% ABV. The squat, heavy bottle designed by Graphic Designer Mamoru Ohtsubo has become iconic.

Tasting

The nose is dry fruits and plums with oak, black tea, butter, and sherry. On the palate at 51.4%, barley-forward with caramel, dried fruit, cinnamon, and anise. The finish is surprisingly long with rich caramel and spicy oak.

The Verdict

Nikka From The Barrel earns a 9 — the best Japanese whisky you can actually buy. Available, affordable, and delicious. The 51.4% is perfectly judged and the Yoichi-Miyagikyo marriage creates genuine complexity. At £35, extraordinary Japanese whisky value.