Anniversary editions might be dangerous propositions. They’ll arrive available on the market with extra pomp than substance: slap a nifty label on it, upcharge by an element of three to 5, chortle all the way in which to the shareholder steak and cigar dinner. True to Nikka type, this fortieth anniversary launch of Nikka Whisky from the Barrel avoids the pattern by making a minimal change, delivering a noticeable impression: the identical mix folks respect, however double the standard vatting time earlier than bottling.
Nikka Whisky from the Barrel Further Marriage (fortieth Anniversary) Overview
It opens with a mixture of milk chocolate and orange on the nostril, with mango and pineapple chopping in with the addition of a drop or two of water. Fortunately, they’re stored in verify by vanilla and the extra oak ageing. It’s fairly recognizable as a by-product however delivers better sophistication and restraint. The palate reinforces that impression. The tropical fruit from the nostril stays fixed however expands with the addition of cinnamon and charred oak, serving to to border the sweetness slightly than amplify or smother it. The prolonged vatting does its job, knitting parts collectively and smoothing out a number of the sharper edges the unique line flirts with often. The lengthy and oaky end delivers a measured bitterness from herbaceous notes, offering a refreshing distinction. Nothing right here overstays its welcome, and nothing appears like it’s attempting to impress with quantity alone.
The extent of self-discipline proven all through the decision-making course of by Nikka is compelling. They may have simply leaned into the now-predictable spectacles of higher-proof hazmat bottlings, cask finishes from an obscure area only a few folks may find on a map, or limited-run packaging designed to make the secondary market salivate. As a substitute, Nikka opted for refinement, and the result’s one thing that appears like a pure development slightly than a commemorative memento store detour. It respects the legacy established by From the Barrel with out being tightly constrained. To their credit score, this refined recalibration pays out dividends with out inflating sticker worth.
The consequence of those decisions additionally makes this one thing lower than revelatory. If From the Barrel has by no means been your Japanese whisky of alternative, this possible isn’t going to make you a convert. The core stays unchanged and, in some methods, that’s very a lot the purpose. For long-time devotees, although, the additional time in wooden contributes a layer of shine simple to understand. It’s a reminder that maturation typically isn’t about including new flavors however letting current ones flourish over time.
With age comes knowledge, and in a class as much as its eyeballs with anniversary bottlings conflating novelty for progress, Further Marriage stands out by doing extra with much less and doing it effectively. It’s considerate, well-executed and understated. Which, in its forties, feels extremely applicable.
102.8 proof.
A- / $70 (500 ml)
Nikka Whisky from the Barrel Further Marriage (fortieth Anniversary)
USD70
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