Nikka From The Barrel Manhattan Recipe
The Manhattan is another classic whisky cocktail that works well with From the Barrel. This is already a boozier drink, so keep that in mind if you choose this whisky. Just one of these is equal to two standard servings of alcohol.
- 2.5-ounce Nikka From the Barrel
- 0.5-ounce Antica Formula vermouth
- 3 dash Regans Orange Bitters #6
- 3 dash Angostura bitters
Start by chilling a coupe or martini glass. Then take a mixing glass, combine all of the ingredients, add ice, and then stir the contents. Youll want to stir this drink heavily for ample water dilution. Next, strain the cocktail into the cold glass.
For added complexity and the garnish, express an orange swath over the finished drink. Rub the orange on the rim and stem of the glass, as well. Finally, use this for the garnish along with an optional brandied cherry.
A 2:1 ratio of Nikka to vermouth is a milder alternative. From the Barrel doesnt disappear in this variation. Its even more important to use high-end vermouth like Antica Formula, if possible.
The History Of Nikka Gold & Gold
Although the Samurai edition looks quite unique and feels like a complete facelift of the ordinary bottle design, its not the first time Nikka sells this: Nikka gold & gold Samurai edition was launched first in 1968. But only a couple of years later, it was discontinued again.
But the military Samurai commander came back when Nikka decided to produce this limited edition version. I dont know the exact time when they put it back on the market, but its been around now for several years already.
What you must know is that the Nikka gold and gold Whiskey has traditionally been a budget Whiskey. So what they try with the military Samurai commander armor is to sell it to tourists for a higher price. Thats also the reason why its exclusively sold at the two airports Narita and Haneda. The bottle it comes in is called Shirobin , and it does the job. Even if youre not a fan of Whiskey, the extravagant bottle design looks great on any bar shelf.
Place On The Whiskey Shelf
Yamazaki 18 Year leaves me terribly conflicted and is yet another byproduct of outrageous demand, too much money, and not enough whiskey. Dont get me wrong, Yamazaki 18 is an amazing single malt whiskey in its own right, beautifully blending dark and bright fruits, sweetness, oak, floralness, and refreshing mint into a fragrant, delicious, and expansive package that should be savored till the end. It truly is that excellent and I would absolutely drink it all the time if I could. The ABV just leaves me sad about what it could have been, because the scents are mesmerizing but the flavors suffer from it.
Yada yada yada yes people may want the lower ABV, maybe its best at that ABV, maybe Im just too used to higher ABV whiskey, and/ or maybe Im a snobwhatever. Maybe all of those things are true, but its crystal clear to me from actually drinking this whiskey that the ABV does a massive disservice to this outstanding whiskey, power washing away so much of the richness thats in there.
Its like preparing an amazing A5 Wagyu steak and lathering it in ketchup, or going to Jiros restaurant and drowning every piece of sushi in soy sauce. Japanese whiskey makers have a weird fixation with 43% ABV.
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Serving Nikka From The Barrel
From the Barrel can be served neat, on the rocks, or mizuwari. A few ice cube is a good choice to lower the temperature of this high-proof whisky. The slight dilution does not harm the character. Big, slow-melting ice cubes are another good choice. This is especially true if you want the chilling effect of ice without too much dilution.
Nikka From the Barrel also makes a great mixer in cocktails. It is certainly on the pricey side, and is best for drinks that dont hide its complexity.
How To Drink Yamazaki Whisky
The first time you drink Yamazaki Whisky, youll want to drink it neat. Even if youre not typically a whisky drinker, the quality of this spirit means youll appreciate its tasting notes and unique nature best by sipping it. This is one of the two traditional ways to drink whisky in Japan.
The other common way is drinking it in a Whisky Highball . But that doesnt mean those are the only two ways to drink Yamazaki Whisky.
A lot of attention in Japan focuses on the temperature of water when paired with whisky. You can enjoy your Yamazaki on the rocks, served with chilly blocks of ice, Mizuwari or Oyuwari .
Each different water temperature releases different elements of the spirit so, if youre on a mission to truly understand everything Yamazaki encompasses, youll want to sample a bottle with water at each temperature just preferably on a day when you dont have plans immediately afterwards.
Japanese whisky pairs great with Japanese food think soy sauce-based dishes to bring out Yamazakis sweetness or sushi for its strong fermented, fishy and salty flavours.
Theres also a growing market for craft cocktails made with Yamazaki, something that a number of Tokyos coolest cocktail bars are getting involved with.
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Shop Online Retailers Of Yamazaki 18
We saved our top recommendation for last. Online retailers can be a great option for Yamazaki 18 shopping. As usual, do your homework. This whisky has a large range of price tags. It really pays to shop around and to be patient.
If you want your own bottle of Yamazaki, check out the online retailers below. As an affiliate for these vendors, we earn a portion of the sale price.
Other Online Retailers of Yamazaki 18
If you can find a bottle through the above retailers, there are a couple more options. The Whisky Exchange offers fair prices and a huge selection. Theyre particularly useful if you live in the UK or the EU. Dekanta is our final recommendation. They tend to have higher prices than the competition though, so we only recommend them if youre desperate.
Whats your favorite source for Japanese whisky? Without blowing up your secret spot, Id love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment at the bottom of this post.
From The Barrel Highball Recipe
The highball is a Japanese whisky cocktail classic. From the Barrel makes a strong version of this drink.
Its best to use a chilled highball glass and ice-cold soda. Stir the whisky over ice and strain into the chilled glass full of ice. Next, tilt the glass and pour the soda down the side. You may give this drink a quick, light stir, but it isnt necessary.
A standard pour would use 1.5 ounces of From the Barrel. A 2-ounce pour works too, but be warned that this makes a dangerously boozy highball!
Mineral water like Perrier or Saint-Geron is recommended for this cocktail.
Finish the Nikka highball by expressing a lemon peel over the top of the drink and rub it around the rim of the glass. This peel then makes a great garnish.
The forest fragrance version of the Japanese highball adds another element of complexity. For this cocktail, take a cluster of mint tops, smack them against your palm, rub them on the glass, and finally place them into the ice at the top of the drink.
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Nikka From The Barrel Taste & Aftertaste
Nikka From the Barrel is packed with sweet honey, caramel, vanilla cream, and fruits including berries, plums, dates, and oranges. The vanilla cream reinforces the grain whiskeys presence, providing slightly buttery flavors that add wonderful richness and mouthfeel.
Noticeable cinnamon and nutmeg spiced chocolate flavors make their way into every corner of my palate as well. The oak and peat are sedate, letting the sweetness take the lead, while the alcohol, sometimes punchy, is generally controlled. All these rich spiced berry and cream flavors are incredibly similar to sherry-aged Scotch, but thats likely by design.
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Yamazaki Distillers Reserve Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Single Malt Whisky from Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, it is rich, easy-to-drink whisky. Round-bodied, profound and mature taste. A combination of Aged Yamazaki sherry cask and aged mizunara cask malt whiskies. The innovative use of Suntoryâs original wine cask finished malt whiskies provides smoothness and fruity sweetness.
- Product Name: The Yamazaki Distillerâs Reserve Single Malt Japanese Whisky
- Product Type: Liquor
- Product Shelf Life: Not Applicable to this product
- Package content: 1 Bottle of The Yamazaki Distillerâs Reserve Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Alcohol by volume: 43% v/v.
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Nikka From The Barrel Smell
While Nikka From the Barrel is a blend of bourbon and sherry-aged whiskeys, the bolder sherry notes explode out of the glass with blueberries and strawberries, honey-drizzled dates, dark orange syrup, and a few drops of vanilla cream. Hints of cocoa powder and milk chocolate bubble to the top now and then, reminding me of the malted barley and lighter oak and spice influences.
Buried under the wave of spiced sweetness is a subtle peat note that infuses some smoke and earth, but its far from Laphroaig-level. Compared to other Japanese whiskeys, Nikka From the Barrel has a stronger alcohol presence, but it mostly stays out of the way to let me appreciate the core fruit, vanilla, and spice scents.
Underneath the sweetness and alcohol are some subtle oak and spice that counterbalance the sweetness and provide darkness and mustiness. Additional swirling coaxes out a little more floral character and just a bit of horseradish, which is strange, but I swear its there.
Nikka From the Barrel smells so rich and deep, overall an incredible smelling whiskey. Im getting ahead of myself, but its one of the best smelling whiskeys between $50 and $100.
Things You Should Know About Nikka Whisky
Though geographically small in size, Japan is a superpower when it comes to whisky. Initially inspired by Scotch, Japanese distillers have taken the spirit to new heights, introducing a variety of unique flavor profiles and expressions. And none of this would have been possible without the innovations of Masataka Taketsuru, founder of Nikka Whisky.
Established in 1934 , Nikka Whisky was one of the first distilleries in the country, and went on to truly define the category. Looking to learn more about one of the OG Japanese whisky brands? Read on for the 10 things you need to know about Nikka Whisky.
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Nikka From The Barrel Overview
If you havent heard, Japanese is more popular than ever before. Nikka, owned by Asahi, is one of the leaders, creating a variety of whiskeys at its Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. Some are sold as single malts with the distillery name on it, and the rest are blended together in various ways under the Nikka label.
In my time drinking Japanese whiskey, Ive been completely blown away by Nikka Pure Malt 21 Year, impressed by Yamazaki 18 Year , generally impressed with Hakushu 12 Year not particularly impressed with Yamazaki 12 or Nikka Coffey Grain, and completely turned-off by Ohishi Sherry Cask. This time Im drinking Nikka From the Barrel, Nikkas highest proof offering at 51.4%, a jump from the standard 43%.
As an FYI, I bought and use these Glencairn glasses for my reviews and comparisons : Glencairn Crystal Whiskey Glass, Set of 6, Clear, 6 Pack. Full transparency, this is an affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon.
Its Made In Two Japanese Distilleries
Nikkas two distilleries Miyagikyo and Yoichi make whiskies with two very different flavor profiles. Yoichi, located on the island of Hokkaido, makes oaky, peated expressions. Miyagikyo, located on the island of Honshu, produces fresher, fruitier whiskies. This allows for the extensive range of flavors in Nikkas 17 expressions.
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A Spirit Thats Definitely Worthy Of Its Attention
There are some spirits that become investment pieces thanks to how seriously delicious they are. And there are other whiskies that spend their lives being admired thanks to how difficult they are to secure. Yamazaki whisky manages to be both at the same time.
Its traditional in Japan to produce small batch whisky, which means demand almost always exceeds supply.
Throw into the mix the fact that Yamazaki Single Malt scored a 97.5 out of 100 in the Whisky Bible back in 2014, and was named as the best in the world, and youll start to understand why securing a bottle of this whisky or even sampling it if someone has a bottle theyre prepared to open is such a big deal.
Owned by the Suntory brand and based in a quiet Kyoto suburb, Yamazaki is widely regarded as the birthplace of Japanese whisky.
A brilliant all-rounder and a perfect interpretation of what Japanese whisky should smell and taste like, Yamazaki is primarily made up of whisky aged in American oak and ex-bourbon casks, with trace amounts of whisky coming from Japanese Mizunara casks.
Its distillation process boasts some of the purest water found in all of Japan which, when paired with the brands expertise, results in one truly subtle yet brilliant bottle.
The Yamazaki distillery produces over 60 distinct single malt whiskies, utilising its seriously soft water and misty climate to produce some of the best spirits in the world.
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| 15 x 8 x 8 cm 500 Grams | |
| Item model number | |
|---|---|
| Store in cool and dry conditions. | |
| Serving Recommendation | Best served at room temperature. |
| Country of origin | |
| Manufacturer |
| 4.7 out of 5 stars | |
| Best Sellers Rank | 28 in Whisky |
|---|---|
| Delivery information: | We cannot deliver certain products outside mainland UK . We will only be able to confirm if this product can be delivered to your chosen address when you enter your delivery address at checkout. |
| Date First Available | 29 Nov. 2010 |
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Nikka From The Barrel Rating
Wow, Nikka From the Barrel is awesome. The stronger sherry character really shines through, supplemented with the bourbon-aged, grain, and peaty whiskey components to create an incredibly pungent, rich, flavorful, and interesting whiskey.
Its a masterful blend thats nearly on par with Ben Nevis 18 and Ben Nevis Old Malt 21 , some of the best sherried Scotches Ive had in the past few years. Nikka From the Barrel also smells and tastes exceedingly better than Macallan Classic Cut 2018 Edition, one of Macallans higher proof releases that ended up being fairly disappointing.
In a blind tasting, I honestly wouldnt be able to tell that this was Japanese whiskey instead of Scotch, but that is inconsequential. What matters is that Nikka From the Barrel is worth buying for your own shelf. If youre looking for amazing Japanese whiskey or whiskey in general, this is one to strongly consider for yourself, or as a gift to someone else who likes Scotch / Japanese whiskey.
Yamazaki 18 Year Smell
Whoa, that first sniff is a wall of dark fruitiness thats date, prune, and blueberry. Then comes the dark honey, this floral and slightly grassy note , pear, peach, and a spritz of fresh orange. Yamazaki 18 Year has very captivating darkness, yet still maintains a brighter and lighter side to it that makes it so interesting and expressive, and with absolutely no heat to get in the way.
I could sit here all day and smell it. At the same time, I also do notice a lack of heft and viscosity to some degree because of the 43% ABV. I absolutely despise that ABV.
Swirling coaxes out a brighter personality with cherry, grapefruit, pear, and honey up front followed some lightly toasted grains, vanilla, fennel, orange, mint, and just a slight oak char. The swirling seems to push the darker and heavier date and prune to the back, but it re-emerges over time as the whiskey settles .
Its dark, fruity, bright, vibrant, refreshing, and absolutely captivating all at once. Yamazaki 18 Year smells incredible, spanning so many different scents, constantly shifting, and making me want more with every subsequent smell.
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Nikka Gold And Gold Whiskey Tasting Notes
The Gold & Gold Samurai edition is a blend of Pot still and Coffey still Whiskeys. A Coffey still is the column still invented by Aeneas Coffey. It is more efficient in comparison to the traditional Pot still.
The nose of the Whiskey is very subtle and clean. You can detect some sweet notes, as well as hints of apple and pear, hints of herbs, and a slight burn from the alcohol.
On the palate, there is also sweetness paired with fruity notes of apples, pears, and longan. A few spicy notes from pepper as well a slight citrus taste round off the very light taste.
The finish is comparably short and dry. A light warmth and a mix of honey and herbal notes dominate the finish.
Overall, I dont think it is a bad Whiskey but nothing that you have to run after. A decent fit for a Whiskey Sour and I would drink it if someone offers me a dram, but its nothing I would specifically order anywhere.