Name: Nikka Pure Malt Whiskey
Color: Medium Brown
Nose: Light fruits, peat, and malt
Taste: Apples/pears, spice, peat, and smoke
Review:
The first sip of Nikka’s Pure Malt reminded me of Scotch Whisky from the Highlands. The flavor profile is smoky, peaty, but well balanced and on the lighter side. I found this to be a lovely combination if you are a fan of Scotch and Japanese styled whisky.
The exact fruit is a little difficult to detect among the peat/smoke/malt profile, but after a few sips it comes out. The fruit profile is more white fruits such as apples and pears. I would have expected more exotic black fruits, but when I think about it the combination of black fruits, smoke, peat and malt sounds like a tough receipt to get right.
Pure Malt is a blended non-aged stated (NAS) whisky. Nikka Distillery states that the average age of their whiskies is 10 years. I believe this because I choose to believe it, but to be very honest, marketing it where the “truth lies” as they said in Mad Men. The blends are stated to be Miyagikyo malt whisky and some Yoichi whisky with Miyagikyo making up a high percentage of the blend. Pure Malt is aged in sherry butts, bourbon barrels, and new America oak casks.
“Pure” means “balanced” with respect to flavor when it comes to Nikka’s standards of production. As mentioned in previous reviews, Japan makes great whiskey. It is your choice to enjoy this spirit neat, dash of water, or on the rocks. I would not recommend making cocktails out of Pure Malt. Good whiskey does not need to be mixed to be creative in your glass. The master distiller was already been creative, it is your turn to enjoy
Priced around $65 and worth the money.
If you like it, drink it! – Christopher
If you like it, drink it!
