In the world of Japanese whisky, few names resonate as powerfully as Nikka.
With its rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship, Nikka has carved a niche in the hearts of whisky enthusiasts globally.
Among its esteemed offerings, four contenders stand out: ‘Nikka from the Barrel’, ‘Nikka Yoichi 10 Years Old’, ‘Nikka 12 Years Old’, and ‘Nikka Taketsuru 17’.
Each of these whiskies presents a unique story and flavor profile, inviting aficionados to explore the depths of Japanese whisky artistry.
Nikka from the Barrel always has a special place in my heart as everything started from here, I was a young 20 y.o. bartender in a Japanese themed restaurant/bar, relatively new to the workforce, inexperienced and knew nothing much of the world.
Yet, to my surprise and observation, majority of the customers who visits our bar have always ordered a pour of the ‘Nikka from the Barrel’, and almost always, I receive positive feedback regarding the taste and aroma of ‘Nikka from the Barrel’. On top of that, customers always ask to keep the empty ‘Nikka from the Barrel’ bottle if I had one.
So I thought, “Huh, what if I take a trip to Japan by myself to source Japanese Whiskies, I wonder what they cost in Japan?”
That is how JapanWhisky got started, and I am now sitting in front of my laptop years later writing this article for you guys.
Nikka From The Barrel
A snapshot from the team, ‘Nikka from the Barrel’
Nikka from the Barrel
Nikka From the Barrel is a standout expression from Nikka, showcasing a blend of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry cask influences. With a robust ABV of 51.4% and a non-age statement (NAS) designation, this whisky offers an exciting experience for both new and seasoned whisky enthusiasts.
Nose
Upon first contact, the nose reveals a distinctly bourbon-like character, dominated by notes of oak, vanilla, and brown sugar. Hints of cooked bananas reminiscent of banana bread emerge alongside zesty oranges. As you delve deeper, the sherry influence becomes apparent with dried leathery raisins and a musty basement aroma. The alcohol is noticeable but not overpowering, and adding a splash of water brings out additional wood notes and a light floral touch.
Palate
The palate shifts to a more sherry-forward profile, bursting with flavors of berries and dark dried fruits. Subtle hints of ginger and burnt pie crust add complexity, while a trace of peat can be detected if you search for it. Despite its higher alcohol content, the whisky feels well-balanced and controlled. The mouthfeel is solid, enhanced by the ample ABV, and a few drops of water amplify the sweetness, evoking cola-like qualities.
Finish
The finish is sweet yet slightly sour, with herbaceous and minty notes that linger pleasantly. It wraps up the tasting experience on a satisfying note.
Final Thoughts
In Singapore, Nikka From the Barrel stands out as an exceptional value at around $78 SGD. While many in the U.S. may pay a significant premium for this bottle, its availability at a lower price makes it an absolute must-try.
This whisky competes admirably within its price range, offering a delicious experience that’s hard to match. Do take into consideration that it is 500ml volume & not considered a Japanese Whisky.
Overall, Nikka From the Barrel earns an impressive score of 86/100—a testament to its quality and craftsmanship. If you can find it near 35 USD, it’s definitely worth adding to your collection!
Nikka Yoichi 10 Years Old
In February 2001, Whisky Magazine created a unique event - a blind tasting where 293 whiskies from every corner of the globe were judged by a panel of 62 experts. Yoichi 10 Year Old Single Cask immediately stood out, earning the highest score in the Japanese whisky category.
But the real surprise came at the end of the competition, when it was revealed that this Single Malt obtained the highest overall score, even surpassing the legendary Scotches.
It was a momentous triumph enshrining Japanese whiskey as a leading player in the market and making Yoichi the icon it is today.
This award marks the beginning of an era which Japanese Whisky started dominating the whisky scene.
Yoichi 10 encored at the World Whiskies Awards in 2008, again proving itself a top brand in the Japanese whisky scene.
Today, after a break in production from 2015 to 2022, Yoichi 10 year is once again a mainstay in the Hokkaido distillery's core range, despite the chronic lack of aged barrel stock that has been plaguing distilleries of the Rising Sun for years.
The problem was compounded by Yoichi's success, which placed the limelight on Japanese whisky and increased demand by 10x.
After 7~8 years, Nikka has finally brought back age-stated Japanese Whisky with Yoichi 10 Year Single Malt. The first release, at November 2022, of 9,000 bottles, I think was only sold in Japan, meaning to say US and the other markets have so limited quantity of.
New Nikka Yoichi 10 Years Old (November 2022)
Nikka Yoichi 10 Years Old (New)
- Country/Region: Japan/Hokkaido
- Color: Deep gold (0.8)
- ABV: 45%
Nose: The aroma opens with pronounced notes of vanilla, lemon, orange, and yuzu, complemented by light smoke and white wine. There are also grassy elements and rich malt undertones, creating a tart yet balanced impression.
Palate: On the palate, the whisky is rich with flavors of vanilla and noticeable peat smoke. Additional notes include toffee, yuzu, pineapple, and lemon zest, along with a hint of worm tub funk.
The mouthfeel is robust, developing into maple syrup and earthy loam.
Finish: The finish is medium-long and soft, featuring lingering notes of vanilla, yuzu, loam, maple syrup, smoke, and dried pineapple.
Rating: 87/100While the nose may not show significant differences compared to the current Yoichi NAS, the palate reveals a richer experience.
This version suggests a higher proportion of first-fill ex-bourbon casks in the blend, resulting in enhanced vanilla and toffee notes along with more pronounced smoke and depth.
Old Nikka Yoichi 10 Years Old (Pre-2015)
Nikka Yoichi 10 (Old bottling, smaller 180ml size)
- Country/Region: Japan/Hokkaido
- Color: Russet (1.3)
- ABV: 45%
Nose: The old release presents a savory and smoky profile with salty oloroso notes reminiscent of bacon and wood smoke—almost like a ramen broth whisky. Underneath this layer are rich toffee aromas, sweet figs, orange blossom, spices, and savory worm tub funk.
Palate: The palate greets you with light notes of toffee and orange blossom water before transitioning into brine and bacon flavors. It develops into apple sauce with cinnamon, clove, ground ginger, black pepper, maple syrup, loam, earl grey tea, and a hint of Guinness stout.
Finish: The finish is long-lasting with notes of toffee, black tea, cinnamon, dried dates, fig preserves, lemon zest, yuzu, and mandarin orange—a complex yet slightly drying experience.
Rating: 90/100
In comparison to the new release and the NAS version, the old Yoichi 10 showcases more character and depth. Its complexity rivals even well-aged whiskies like Talisker 10. The texture is both light and thick—akin to marshmallow—while delivering an impressively long finish without feeling heavy.
Conclusion
The new Yoichi 10 offers an exciting evolution while paying homage to its roots. While it may not surpass the old version in terms of overall complexity and depth—evidenced by its higher rating—the new release stands out for its richness and balance. Both expressions highlight the craftsmanship that defines Yoichi as one of Japan's premier distilleries. Whether you prefer the nostalgic charm of the original or the refined character of the new release depends on your personal taste—but both are worthy additions to any whisky enthusiast's collection.
Yoichi Distillery
Yoichi Distillery known for its cold temperature, similar to Scotland’s climate.
Nikka 12 Years Old
The Nikka Premium Blended Whisky 12 Years Old (‘Nikka 12 Years Old’)
Originating from the renowned Japanese whisky producer Nikka, this rare release was previously available exclusively in Japan but has recently been discontinued in favor of a non-age-stated variant.
The original version boasted an age statement of 12 years, making it one of the few remaining age-stated offerings from either Suntory or Nikka.
As the demand for Japanese whisky has surged, age statements have rapidly diminished as distillers strive to meet consumer needs. Bottles like this, once abundant in Japan, have become increasingly scarce in recent years.
The Nikka 12 is a masterful blend of malt and grain whiskies sourced from Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries.
Released in 2014 to celebrate Nikka’s 80th anniversary, the bottle itself is a work of art. It features an elegant wooden stopper and exquisite glass design that pays tribute to Japan’s iconic kimonos.
The gold lettering adds a final touch, emphasizing that this whisky is indeed something special. I had the pleasure of acquiring this bottle during one of my trips to Japan in 2017.
General Information (Nikka 12 Years Old)
- Age: 12 Years
- ABV: 43%
- Cask Type: Various
- Distillery: Nikka
- Release Year: 2014 (to commemorate Nikka's 80th anniversary)
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Color: Caramel Gold
Our good friend, Whisk(e) & Whatnot review on the ‘Nikka 12 years old’
“Tasting Notes:
Nose: The nose on this whisky is sweet, but not too sweet to the point where it is dense or overly rich; it’s light and crisp. With that sweetness comes some perfume and some fruity candy and butterscotch.
Besides appearing in that candy-like state, fruits do also make an appearance in the form of apples, oranges, and some citrus zest. There is also some caramel and hints of pepper, baking spice, and vanilla. This is a vibrant nose!
Palate: The palate on this whisky is quite juicy and succulent. The fruits make a reprisal, this time in the form of a fresh fruit salad; think more oranges, apples, and even pears covered in more of that citrus zest.
The caramel also returns, but is more reminiscent of toffee. There is also some slight spice, reminding me of that peppery note from the nose.
Finish: The finish on this whisky – while it does pair nicely with the palate – is one aspect where I can say I was a little disappointed.
There’s all this vibrance between the nose and the palate, but it ended there. The finish is on the shorter side of medium, but despite being disappointed with the finish in relation to the rest of the tasting experience, there is some good! It’s rather mellow, with more of those fruit salad notes lingering, and joined with the nose and palate, it actually creates a refreshing dram.
Normally I would associate a refreshing beverage as chilled or something on the rocks, but this pleasantly took me by surprise.”
Nikka Taketsuru 17 Years Old
Nikka Taketsuru 17 Years Old
Nikka Taketsuru 17 Years Old:
A Comprehensive Overview
Nikka Taketsuru 17 Years Old is a celebrated expression from the Nikka Whisky Company, renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and rich heritage. Named after Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka and a pioneer in Japanese whisky, this pure malt whisky showcases the artistry of blending malt whiskies from both the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries.
Key Details
- Type: Pure Malt Whisky
- Age: 17 Years
- ABV: 43%
- Cask Types: Primarily ex-bourbon and sherry casks.
Flavor Profile
- Nose: The aroma is complex, featuring notes of rich fruit, honey, and floral elements, complemented by hints of spice and oak. The balance of sweetness and depth creates an inviting bouquet.
- Palate: On the palate, Taketsuru 17 delivers a rich tapestry of flavors, including dark fruits, toffee, and a gentle smokiness. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, with layers of complexity that evolve with each sip.
- Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving lingering notes of dried fruits, spices, and a touch of oak. It wraps up the tasting experience beautifully.
Market Presence
Taketsuru 17 has garnered numerous accolades over the years, contributing to its reputation as one of the finest Japanese whiskies available. Its limited availability has made it a sought-after bottle among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
(It is a significant achievement that Taketsuru Pure Malt 17 Years old has been awarded the World Best Blended Malt for the 4th time.)
Nikka Taketsuru 17 Years Old exemplifies the pinnacle of Japanese whisky craftsmanship. With its rich flavor profile and elegant presentation, it stands as a testament to Masataka Taketsuru's legacy. Whether enjoyed neat or in a more contemplative setting, this whisky promises an exceptional experience for anyone fortunate enough to savor it.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of the best Nikka whiskies, it becomes evident that each contender—Nikka From the Barrel, Nikka 12 Years Old, Nikka Taketsuru 17 Years Old, and Nikka Yoichi 10 Years Old—brings its own unique charm and flavor profile to the table.
Nikka From the Barrel impresses with its bold character and versatility, making it a fantastic choice for both sipping neat and mixing in cocktails. (Value for money as well)
Nikka 12 Years Old stands out for its harmonious blend of malt and grain, showcasing the distillery's commitment to quality and tradition. (80th years of Nikka’s legacy)
Nikka Taketsuru 17 Years Old captivates with its complexity and depth, embodying the legacy of Masataka Taketsuru himself.
Meanwhile, Nikka Yoichi 10 Years Old offers a rich and inviting experience, celebrated for its intricate flavors and historical significance.
Ultimately, the title of "Best Nikka Whisky" may vary based on personal preferences and occasions. Whether you lean towards the robust intensity of From the Barrel, the balanced elegance of the Nikka 12 Year Old, the sophisticated layers found in Nikka Taketsuru 17, or the nostalgic charm of Nikka Yoichi 10, each whisky reflects the artistry that has made Nikka a revered name in the world of spirits.
As you embark on your own tasting journey, consider these exceptional whiskies not just as beverages but as stories in a bottle—each sip a testament to Japan's rich whisky heritage. Cheers to discovering your favorite among these remarkable offerings!
Paying the tribute to the myth, the legend himself (Masataka Taketsuru)
Masataka Taketsuru (The founding father of Japanese Whisky alongside Shinjiro Torii)
Thank you Masataka Taketsuru and the Nikka Family!
Here is our Nikka catalogue!
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Signing off,
Sin Hai
(Owner of Japanwhisky, a Japanese Whisky Enthusiast)
