The Nikka Nine Decades

Had the chance to try this at the Nikka Yoichi distillery in November of 2024 for 10000JPY for a scant 10mL pour. Nose - Caramel, chocolate, toasted cereal grains, hints of raisins/prunes, dried stone fruits Taste - Gentle smoke, caramel, milk chocolate, raisins, dried persimmons Finish - Caramel & gentle smoke, dried fruits, lingering caramely tea Score - 94/100 Final Thoughts - This was a very nicely balanced dram and you could tell there was some older whisky in this blend. It had a fantastic nose that just made you feel that there was some older stuff in there. There were some notes of dark toasted grains and chocolate malt vibes and had a nice dried fruit undertones. Sadly I only had 10mL to review, so tasting notes are a bit slim, but this was very enjoyable, nothing off putting or off balance about this. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Yes Would I buy a bottle? - No, knowing the price NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

Walked into a small basement bar in Osaka and saw this and the 2 2019 yoichi and miyagikyo black bottles and asked the bartender for a recommendation. He recommended this one, he told me this has numerous yoichi, miyagikyo, ben nevis, and nikka coffey grain components dating back to the 1940s-1970s. It was like wow with such a classic old oak, sandalwood, apple pie, dusty, dark fruit, dark chocolate, and nutty flavor profile. Nose: Raisins, Sandalwood, Coconuts, Honey, Cinnamon, Apple Pie, Pineapples, Tobacco, Figs, Dark Chocolate, Morello Cherries, Pecan Pie, Grapefruits, Almond Zest Palate: Rum Raisins, Vanilla, Graham Crackers, Grapefruit, Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Fig Syrup, Apple Pie, Key Lime Pie, Plums, Smoke Finish: Apple Pie, Cinnamon, Cloves, Dark Chocolate, Makuna Honey, Figs, Grapefruit, Papayas, Melons

Absolutely incredible. So smooth, so balanced, so well made. Caramel, raisin, chocolate, stone fruits, hint of smoke. Such a rarity to try this.