Nikka Pure Malt RED

ReviewsJapaneseNikka

Nov 28

Written By David Levine

Nikka Pure Malt RED

Japanese Blended Malt Whisky

NAS

43% ABV/86 Proof

Eye: Straw honey. Medium bleeding rims and syrupy droplet legs.

Nose: Walking through an orchard - tons of fruit, especially apples. Some brine and malt opens up like a Highland Scotch. Reminds me of Johnnie Walker Gold or 18Y. Syrupy raisin note comes out with air.

Palate: A tingly heat, lots of Highland and Island character. Background smoke that’s quite pleasant. Some dried sultanas and a little sea salt in dark chocolate. Mouthfeel is light-to-medium, hints of heat that dissipates quickly.

Finish: Hits the corners of the mouth, definitely reminiscent of a great Scotch blend.

Overall: A very drinkable blended whisky that clearly draws on its Scottish blending roots. Easy sipper while not being overly complex. You could swap this for a mid-to-upper range JW and no one would notice.

Rating: 6.4

10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)

9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)

8 | Excellent | Exceptional (12+YO MGP Bourbon, Highland Park Single Barrels)

7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)

6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)

5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)

4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)

3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)

2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)

1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co. Cider Cask)