Japanese Whisky

[doc_mcCabe]

My brother just picked up a bottle of Nikka "Pure Malt Black," and "Pure Malt White." Anybody ever hear of these? He bought them at La Maison du Whisky in Paris and the retailers here in Chicago have never heard of Nikka. Beautiful bottles, unlike any whisk(e)y bottles I've ever seen.

[doubleblank]

Are these the bottles that look more like they might hold cologne or perfume rather than whiskey? I've had several Nikkas including some at the past Sampler supplied by Koji and his associate. All were tasty stuff ....... but definitely in a "scotch" vein.

Randy

[Hedmans Brorsa]

These are, if I remember right, the 500 ml bottles. I have not tried them myself but a friend of mine has sampled the Nikka White and he was mightily impressed.

They´re supposed to contain lots of Yoichi which I have tried. An excellent whisky and a highly individual voice in this field.

[jeff]

I'm holding what's left of that larger bottle of Nikka Pure Malt. I'm planning on bringing it back in September if there is any left It has an interesting flavor, similar to bourbon in some ways, but very smoky.

[doc_mcCabe]

These bottles do in fact look like they might hold cologne; I liken them to something you might see in a chemist's lab. And they are in fact 500 ml. I intend on opening the Nikka Black tonight at one of the finer Japanese restaurants here in Chicago and drinking it while eating sushi and other Japanese delicacies. This seems like the best way to enjoy something as exotic as this. Then later maybe some bourbon at Delilah's. The Van Winkle Rye is being served there at $6/shot and the other day I purchased a bottle from the bar of Delilah's own "Strong Unfiltered 10 year American Premium Old Kentucky Bourbon from the ORVW Family Reserves (100 proof)." Randy, when you were at Delialh's last I hope you were able to try this (if not get yourself a bottle).

[TNbourbon]

You might also ask if they happen to have one of Randy's single-barrel 12yo Lot B. I don't know if he traded them one, but if so, try it. Worth it.

[Edward_call_me_Ed]

Wonderful whisky. I live in Japan so they aren't really exotic to me, but they aren't all that widely available even here. Not too expensive here. I really like the Black and the White is good too when I am in the mood for a smoky Islay style whisky. I might just go pour myself one now! The Yoichi 10 that I have is also a favorite though it is a bit expensive. You might actually be able to get it cheaper in the States. I haven't had the 12 as the price just about doubles while it spends the last two years in the barrel... I think that the White and maybe the Black may contain some Scotish malt.

Ed

[CrispyCritter]

I've heard of Nikka, but never seen it for sale; perhaps it isn't imported here?

The only Japanese whisky I've had was 12yo Suntory Yamazaki; a very nice pour, and reasonably priced. I've also seen an 18yo Yamazaki on the shelf, but it costs more than twice as much.

[Edward_call_me_Ed]

Binny's web site doesn't list any Nikka Products. The Yamazaki 12 is cheaper ($29.95) than the 10 (more than $30)is here. The 12 year old is more than UA$50 evwen on sale. Go Figure. The 10 is good whisky but not for the price. No, it is worth the price. Let me put that another way, when I have thirty buck to spend on whisky there are too many others that I like better to buy another bottle of Yamazaki 10. I will buy a bottle of the 12 some day.

Now, the Nikka 10 year old is worth the forty plus dollars. IMHO.

Ed

[TMH]

Now, the Nikka 10 year old is worth the forty plus dollars. IMHO.

Is that the Single Cask Yoichi 10 yr? I've been thinking of picking it up when I'm in Japan in late August. I currently have Hibiki 17 year and want to expand my Japanese whisky collection.

[Edward_call_me_Ed]

I have been talking about the OB Single Malt Yoichi 10 year old 45% abv expression. I have only had the Single Cask 10 year old 64% once at the distillery and it was fabulous. One little 20 ml pour. I wanted to buy a bottle but the only one they had left was a little 170 ml. I haven't had the heart to open it since I haven't seen it anywhere else. If you see it and it isn't too expensive buy it. If you don't the OB is good, too.

Ed

[TMH]

Ed,

Thanks for the info. I think your OB Single Malt Yoichi 10 year is what I'm planning on picking up. There is alot of information on the English page of Nikka's web site about this whisky. The Nikka online shop sells it for 4725 yen, so I assume it would retail for around 4500 yen. Does that sound right? It looks like the Single Cask bottles all sell for over 10,000 yen. Is it that good? If so, I may have to plan accordingly.

Thanks,

[Edward_call_me_Ed]

Those prices seem about right. As to whether the sigle cask is worth 10.000 yen or not, it is to some people. Remember, I have only had it once. Also remember, it is almost 20% higher abv so there is more whiskey in the bottle than in the standard bottling. It is your call.

Ed

[AVB]

The Nikka Black is stored in new wood casks rather then first fill used ones so it would have a bit more bourbon flavoring IMO. There is also a Nikka Red which is supposed to be close to a Lowland style Scotch.

[Edward_call_me_Ed]

Thanks AVB. I never knew that about the Nikka Pure Malt Black. I never thought it tasted bourbon-like, too much peat smoke there. I will see what it tastes like next time I pour some with that in mind. It is one of my favorite malts. The White label is one of my favortie Islay type malts though the finish is short compared to Ardbeg 10 or Laphroig 10. I just got my first bottle of the Red a week or so ago. It is sweet, light and fruity with vanilla notes. A tiny hint of smoke. I just rolled some around in my mouth, didn't drink itor only a couple of drops, I have to go back to work later. The tiny hint of smoke is hanging in there in the finish. I didn't notice it much in the taste or nose. The Red White and Black are pretty cheap here, US$14 for a 500 ml bottle.

Ed

Ed

[Edward_call_me_Ed]

I am really pleased to know that about the Black label being aged in new oak casks. I have always wondered what malt whiskey might taste like aged that way. And the Black Label is one of my very favorite Malt whiskies. I had a couple of pours tonight after work. Great stuff. I looked for bourbon like flavors and here is what I found. Sweetness, from the oak as well as the malt. Vanilla. A freshness that I associate with bourbon, part of which is an orangey citrus hint. The peat smoke masks some of that and the rye spice is, of course, absent as is the wheatie sweetness. No corn, either! Don't take any of this as complaint, the Nikka Pure Malt Black is one of my very favorite whiskies.

Ed

[doc_mcCabe]

I agree completely Ed. My brother & I finished off a bottle at a nice sushi bar the other night. There's something so clean and refreshing about the taste that it matches perfectly with fine Japanese cuisine.