Nikka All Malt

Nikka All Malt, NAS, 40 %

The whisky of the day is a blended malt from Nikka. They have mixed single malt from their Yoichi Distillery on Hokkaido, and what they call 'coffey malt' - malt whisky distilled in their Coffey stills at the Miyagikyo Distillery near Sendai.

You can buy the Nikka All Malt in Sweden at SEK 349 (item number 42701), and in the UK for around GBP 25. It is currently not available to buy in Norway.

Nose (21/25): Mild, fruity and clean. Well-rounded and soft sweetness. A deep maltiness mixes well with the sweet, and gives it depth.

Taste (21/25): Sugar sweet and malty. I am reminded of my great grandmothers hard candy of choice, malt drops. There is a bit of spiciness here as well.

Finish (19/25): The maltiness is still very much present, now a bit like cereal left to soak in water for a bit. The finish is on the short side, and it does turn a bit 'simple' or 'narrow' as it dies off.

Balance (21/25): A decent dram that will work very well as an introduction to the wonders that is Nikka whisky. Try it with a large ice cube, or mix it with soda water. You will be surprised - positively so.

Score (82/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas