Rare Opportunity at a Coveted Japanese Collector’s Trophy
Nikka “From The Barrel” Blended Whisky (750ml) ($74.99)
“…this high-proof rarity is the consummate expression of Nikka … pure magic.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer
We couldn’t think of a better way to ring in the new year than by featuring one of the most coveted whiskies on the market, a former Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year winner, no less. Ever since its 2018 release in the U.S. market, Nikka’s From The Barrel blended whisky has been very tough to acquire. But thanks to our relationship with the importer, we just secured some additional cases that we’re thrilled to offer.
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Nikka Discovery: The Grain 2023 Limited Release Japanese Grain Whisky (750ml) $149.99 View
Nikka “From The Barrel” Blended Whisky (750ml) ($74.99)
94 points Whisky Advocate: “For Nikka From the Barrel, its been a long road to Whisky of the Year. This Japanese blend made its U.S. debut in 2018, but its inception dates back more than 30 years. In 1985, Nikka Whisky Distilling Company’s blending team, led by Shigeo Sato, designed this whisky using both malt and grain whiskies produced at Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo Distilleries. When taking into account the full array of casks—bourbon barrels, sherry butts, refill hogsheads, and more—over 100 different constituent whiskies are enlisted. From the Barrel suggests barrel proof, but that’s not the case. The blenders made a conscious decision to bottle at 51.4% (derived from 90 British Proof) to deliver maximum flavor impact. They succeeded. Notably balanced and elegant, the colorful palette of whiskies combines for tremendous depth of flavor. Soft, sweet butterscotch and orange peel meet poached pears and stone fruits. Earthiness appears as dried autumn leaves, coffee, old oak, and tobacco. Among the tangle of spices, tasters identified chili pepper, allspice, cloves, and universally adored its ginger note. Finally, wisps of smoke and sea salt. Overall, it feels generously malty, with the grain whisky lending broad sweetness and supple mouthfeel across the long finish. Beyond its delightful flavors, Nikka From the Barrel presents some paradoxes worthy of contemplation over a glass. It is a classic, yet new to the U.S. It is typically Japanese, yet singularly magnificent. (JL, Winter 2018)”
K&L Notes: The #1 Whisky of the Year on Whisky Advocate‘s Top 20 list in 2018 is now being offered without an allocation limit for the first time thanks to our special relationship with the importer. The wonderful Nikka From the Barrel has been one of the most sought-after offerings from this special distiller based outside of Sapporo. It’s previously not been available in the US due to the USA restriction on the 500ml bottle size, but thankfully the owners designed a 750ml version for the US market. This is a blend of many of the Nikka whiskies we know and love dumped and mingled for further marrying in a large vat at the distillery, hence “from the barrel.” It’s one of the few higher-proof offerings available from any Japanese distiller and has a unique character. While the Hibiki Harmony might be the most popular blended Japanese whisky available in the U.S., From The Barrel is easily the most flavorful. This is nicely aged Yoichi, Miyagikyo, Coffey Grain and Imported Malt further aged post-blending and bottled at 102.8 proof. No wonder people are going rabid for the stuff, it’s absolutely delicious!
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 03, 2023It is an absolute thrill whenever we get to take the time to write up what are otherwise instant sell-out items. Nikka From The Barrel was one of those secret treats for those with insider knowledge who visited Japan long before the massive Japanese whisky boom of the last decade. With the intro of the 750ml version for the U.S. market and the subsequent Whisky Of the Year award from Whisky Advocate in 2018, the secret was out. As a consequence, it has been all but impossible to get our hands on a decent quantity of stock since its domestic debut. In production since 1985, this high-proof rarity is the consummate expression of Nikka—after all, blending for complexity, harmony, and completeness is the hallmark of most great Japanese whisky—even the single malts are typically built upon many different lots of varied distillate from the single distiller that produces them. When all of Nikka’s whisky sources come together thoughtfully and are allowed to marry over a long period with the slightest and slowest reduction in proof, the result is pure magic. It is robust and yet elegant in every stage of tasting. The nose is soft and sweet, but powerful, helped by the higher ABV. Orange zest, orchard fruit, candied ginger snaps, sweet cooked grains, and loads of butterscotch, vanilla, and oak that will instantly satisfy jaded bourbon drinkers but also offer something new. On the palate, more of the same but deftly combined with a savory edge and the smoky flavors of toasted oak. A little more raisined fruit than on the nose and a sultry mix of dark chocolate and pink salt. While the flavors border on perfect, it is the texture that really sets this whisky apart. It’s so much fuller than one would expect, as it has that textural je ne sais quoi of vintage whisky that is so rare to see in contemporary offerings. The finish is cool, long, and sweetly spiced. While this whisky defies easy categorization, it is safe to say that any lover of brown water will find it an enjoyable and flavorful pour at a very fair price point.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 03, 2023It’s been a long time since we’ve had a chance to sit down and enjoy a bit of “From The Barrel.” That’s because this product has been next to impossible to lock down since its award-winning release, which included the 2018 Whisky of the Year crown. But since long before that, I’ve coveted this little bottle and its odd square shape, not for its rarity but rather for its incredible character. While the whisky does not meet the criteria for “Japanese Whisky” per the new voluntary labeling system that the large Japanese producers have developed, the reason why makes it even more desirable in my book. This is almost certainly a blend of the well-known single malts and grain whiskies made at Nikka’s two distilleries (the Yoichi, Miyagiko, and Coffey grain & malt bottlings), with the addition of juice from their exceptional Scottish distillery, Ben Nevis. These whiskies are all carefully blended into a marrying vat and slowly lowered to a hefty 51.4% ABV for bottling. It remains one of the most characterful and charming Japanese-made whiskies on the market and I think, along with Hibiki, it should be considered a benchmark in the category, despite not qualifying technically as such. Here we go! The nose starts rich with vanilla and oak, almost bordering on bourbon levels of vanilla and caramel, but pointed with rich roasted espresso bean and tiny wisps of smoke and green earthy tones. The palate is full-bodied with plenty of sweet cream, butterscotch, and powerful barrel spice. This doesn’t need any water, but loves to play on the rocks if you choose. It’s also my absolute go-to in a high ball these days, adding richness and character that many other lesser options lack. It’s difficult to deny how damned appealing and drinkable it is—full of character without being challenging—and I also love that the price hasn’t exploded exponentially like so many other hard-to-get Japanese whiskies. This is one of those whiskies I always buy in back-up quantity, since I know it’s going to get consumed.
Email: wine@klwines.com
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K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA
 Assertive caramel and toffee aromas lead the nose. On the palate, vanilla and creamy caramel are enlivened by a hint of orange peel. Adding water creates an even bigger and richer effect, bringing more caramel center stage, finishing long with a sprinkle of cinnamon and cocoa powder. This easy sipper is a 18-year-old single malt rested in ex-Sherry casks. (KN) 
 (12/2021)
