Nikka Gold & Gold Samurai

Nikka, the natural rival of suntory, is well known for putting in the market some beautiful whiskies. But this time is not only the "juice" that is beautiful, but the bottle (decanter) itself, the one that holds a Samurai head and shoulder armor over the screw cap. The Nikka Gold & Gold, is now one famous bottle, that was discontinued in 2016; a blended whisky that was originally intended for the travel retail market. Bottled at 43%abv, golden color. On the nose, very fruity, very fresh. Peaches in syrup; Some oily spice and cooked Pineapples. A spongy vanilla cake, wet biscuits, fresh gooseberries and glazed pork. It is uncanny how much it resembles to a half peach in syrup. On the palate, it starts with tropical fruits, then a powerful spice appears, like wasabi; pineapple heart. A second sip gave me peaches, some saltiness and a metallic/sulphuric note. A third sip gave me some sugar syrup, sugar mixed with milk. Aftertaste is peaty! Some smoke, tobacco leaf and bitter flavors on the finish. Burnt hay, dry burnt grass. The typical nikka peat is present, a nice touch. Not very long. Dry, salty, grassy. Overall, i really liked this whisky. I have to be honest, i did not knew what to expect and i was actually surprised by it. The aroma wss lovely and the peaty finish was delicious. It is not a complex dram, but a good one. My score for this very balanced whisky is a solid 88 over 100. KANPAI!

Nose - Clean apple/pear/Asian pear, barrel aged cider, dark honey, caramel. Taste - Dark honeyed light fleshed fruits, apples, Asian pears, hint of longan sweet/metallic, light pepper tingle, Asian pear skin bitterness/dryness. Finish - Light warmth, lingering Asian pear sweet (like it's been sitting out a bit & has oxidized to a light brown), honey. Score - 74/100 Final Thoughts - I will admit I got this bottle purely because it looked cool. The metal samurai topper is just amazing presentation. That being said, the whisky inside isn't horrible, but it isn't great either. Like a good majority of the whisky made in Japan, I think this was fully intended to go in a highball versus sipped neat. Neat, it's not bad, somewhat easy sipping, just not something I'd really reach for. The flavors are subtle but present, but are a bit one-dimensional and have a very "summery" feel that I think would be better in cocktails or a highball versus sipped neat. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe if they had another bottle topper design.

I found this bottle unattended, hanging from a hook in the mens bathroom at the airport. The nose is sweet, with a bit of a fruit smell. I am not particularly fond of it, but don't hate it. The taste is smoky and oeaty with just a slight bitter finish. Not the best thing I ever had, but I like it enough to drink it slowly. LOVE the bottle.

Bright and vanilla on the nose, already some hints of harshness. Oaky. Tastes brittle, not overly complex, hints of maltiness and sweetness but quickly overwhelmed by bitterness. Water opens up sweetness a bit but the bitterness will not be denied. Seems young and best suited for a cocktail.

Un nez excellent : épices, bois grillé, miel. Très doux et rond en bouche, sucré avec une belle note de miel et vanille. Intéressant mais manque de complexité.

Sweet warm butterscotch on the nose. A nice baking spice on the front of the taste, mellows into the non sweet part of brown sugar and molasses cookies