ralfy review 961 - Nikka From The Barrel @51.4%vol (OSWA winner 2022)
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
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7 years ago I read an article on Ichiro’s card series and was immediately intrigued. I imported a bottle of Nikka FTB and gave it to my brother on Christmas and he immediately opened and shared and we enjoyed very much and made a good memory. It was my first bottle that I enjoyed slowly and neat, not rum and cokes or drinking 10 low abv beers just to get buzzed. It opened a door for me. I soon went to a local pub that had the Nikka Pure Malt that I enjoyed as well. And weeks later when that bottle was gone, the bartender pulled out a Craigellachie 13 which quickly became a favorite and opened up a whole wonderful world of scotch whiskey. So I thank Nikka FTB for its part in my journey. Sadly the majority of Japanese whiskey exported for the masses these days is a farce. No rules or transparency. It’s a shame because they are capable of making some of the worlds finest spirits if they wanted to, but it would require integrity bottling and labeling in my opinion. Arigato 🥃
Craigellachie 13 is a great whisky. Slàinte
Hi Ralfy , So good to see you do a review on Nikka! It was one of my house whisky's for a few years , when it was a good price down here in Australia. As you say , a very pleasant , easy drinking Dram which I still like, but it's getting too expensive down here. Brings back memories of my early days in my Dram journey.
Cheers Gregg.
Baijiu is Chinese and made from sorghum. Soju is Korean, can be made from rice, wheat, barley, etc. Shochu is the Japanese version of Soju and can be made form various things as well, including sweet potato. Fun stuff.
Yes agreed. I have a Japanese cookbook from the late 1990s written by Emi Kazuko and in it she has a recipe for making your own Shochu. One day I'm going to do it.
Spent a couple of years in Japan and loved everything but Shochu and Unagi sushi. 😅
Sweet Potato Sochu is wonderful..!!!
I live in Japan too. Shochu is a distilled white liquor identical to Korean soju. It can be made from anything, with barley and sweet potatoes common base ingredients. It is sold in strengths from 15% to 25% alcohol and it is not aged. I would never call it whisky.
… somebody know his stuff, unlike ol’Lal Elf iye … outside of whiskey 🥃 !
Cheers. 😉
Whao ! Ralfy that was smooth 🤣🤣🤣🤣,. Version 1 for Patpals was more ranting of the truth, this was calm for the public viewing. Thanks.
The first version was epic! This version is more fascinating though
When I was in Japan in the mid 80's I saw many "copy" whisky's, usually Suntory products. I was told that the Japanese loved whisky but Scotch and Bourbon imports were very expensive and resulted in domestically bottled products. Flying from Honolulu to Tokyo I saw dozens and dozens of duty-free bags that all contained the same thing: a large container of macadamia nuts, two cartons of Dunhill cigarettes and two bottles of Johnnie Walker Black..
I've lived in Japan, known its culture and cuisine for years. I think I can (hopefully) understand what they like or not, and what is the "japanese palate".
What you said is exactly what I felt when I had the FTB. It's like when they make carbonara and then add a whole egg on top and some seaweeds.
As an italian I'm a bit discombobulated, but its their way to try something new without going all the way.
The Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition was excellent in my opinion, enjoyed it very much a while ago.
Thanks for your channel and best regards..🙏.
As a Scot I tried a bottle of 12 year old Yamazaki about twenty years ago. Delighted with the product, further research revealed the connection to my alma mater, The University of Glasgow in 1920 and Japanese distillers. Good to see the joy of a wee dram bringing nations and cultures together.
Such a great review: honest, to the point and after having had a dram to try before I bought, I passed on it. Thanks dear Ralfy kindest regards as always. Ciao 👋 S.
I really love my Nikka from the Barrell, one of the bottles I did buy again. Tasty and rounded in a very nice way. I'll give it 88.
I don’t look at it that way. It’s a very good blended scotch. It’s just made by Nikka. I don’t see it as Japanese whiskey more of a scotch blended with some Japanese whiskey. It is a touch of smoke & sweetness. I bet it holds up in a blind tasting to any blended scotch
I live in Japan, and this used to be my go to whiskey. Super cheap ( about $20) and then the western markets became interested in Japanese whiskey. The price now is 3 times what it used to be in Japan. So it sounds like it is even more expensive overseas. Similar to Yamazaki- used to buy it for $40 now the same thing is 4 or 5 times the price.
Used to try and find secretly great infamous Japanese whiskey before western markets found them, but that’s hard now-a-days.
All for the good as now I am experimenting with scotch whiskey
I love finding a bottle and sitting down with Ralf and taste with him.
Latest was Ancnoc.
Keep up the good work.
The best part about America using the imperial system, our bottles are 750ml including nikka from the Barrel. Also Nikka from the Barrel from isn't JSlMA compliant, so Nikka from Barrel has world whiskey in it.
It's mostly Ben Nevis.
We knew years ago that the majority of BN went to Japan because it's owned by Nikka. Some of us were questioning the content of NFTB years ago because we knew they could throw anything in there and we were told it's Japanese. Repeatedly.
Then all of a sudden we were told it's not Japanese 100% and the Japanese whisky industry says they are sorry and they now have a new transparent standard.
Why didn't trading standards go after Nikka and their UK sales department?
Zero faith in the Japanese whisky industry.
I knew there would be alot if comments on this one... Very available whisky in an odd presentation = sells good. I have one, more flavour with water. Will i get another one? No. Want a good blend? - > The orchard from compass box.
I had this the other night in a bar along side a springbank 10 and I honestly say this blew the Springbank away . The Springbank was flat , muted compared to this . I don't know if I got the last dreggs of the bottle or something but for my taste anyway the Nikka was much nicer . I know they are different presentations of whisky but was expecting so much more from SB.
“Smooth”, so funny! 😂
I'd argue Hibiki Harmony is perhaps "smoother", albeit lighter than Nikka from the Barrel. The dryness was the first thing I'd noticed when I first had this. It's decent stuff. I do regret missing the chance to get some proper aged Japanese whisky before the big crash.
On "moreishness" in Jameson's: I've had their Black Barrel and it was the most moreish whiskey I've ever had. It had these buttered toast and caramel notes that I couldn't get enough of.
Ralfy, whisky and shouchu have different processes of production. Shouchu doesn’t malt, just barley or wheat or rice or sweet potato, etc. The unmalted barley is sprinkled with some fungi (I believe) to turn the content sugary. And Shouchu are mostly single distilled (up to about 25%). Some are double distilled. And there is no need to age the shouchu (some are aged).
Shochu is kinda like wine. Baijiu is closer to whisky though its more like new make spirit with salt added. Japan has its own whisky but prefers to do blending to make it more "smooth". Essentially getting pished as opposed to enjoying the flavours.
I feel Nikka FTB needs something added. Another single malt maybe. But that is for personal choice. Not for them to make commercially.
Wait...did...did Ralfy just throw shade on Japanese whisky? lol That was spot on. Ben Nevis really does blend so well with traditional Japanese whisky. I can't blame them a bit.
Especially since Nikka has owned Ben Nevis for over thirty years.
Japanese whisky blends well in general. It’s amenable and friendly and is great for self-blending at home as well.
This is my current favourite whisky.
I first buy this like 5 yrs ago taste it and found it super bland , I was about to give it away , but try it again like couple of Months after the initial taste and absolutely adore it . Always keep one in the cabinet ever since . So always give it some time
same experience, I even left it with my father`s and when visited them like several Months it was just amazing , nothing to do with the intimal sip (even after leaving it in the class for a while)
I remember that bottle was sold on Amazon's black friday sale for €25 here in Spain on Amazon. I did not buy it because I have been wary of Japanese whiskeys for a long time. I think that at €25 it could be a good purchase, even though it is a blend, but the truth is, at €45-50 for 500ml, I would rather spend that money a thousand times on a good single malt or, failing that, try an Irish whiskey or bourbon with an integrity bottle.
€25 is close to RRP in Japan. Retails over there for approx £19 a bottle and is available in supermarkets. The ~£45-55 asking price in Europe, I can only imagine is down to import fees, taxes, etc., on top of retailers taking their cut.
@@barryfrombarnsley2790 sellers will rather take a hole chunk! When they sell something at "half price" they are usually just cutting their margin down to a more modest 10%... My problem with Japanese whiskey is that they source some barrels of a competent single malt, let's say Ben Nevis, o Glenfiddich, probably paying less than €10 a liter (cask strength), take it to the other side of the world, mix it with Japanese grain whiskey, some not-so-bad Japanese malt, put it in a fancy bottle, with an exotic kanji label, that look intriguing and sell it to you for 80€ being a product with less quality than a bottle of Glenfiddich that costs 25€...
I just baught this in Europe 40 euro
My USA bottle of Nikka FTB is 750 ml.
The laws changed in the US in 2020 or 2021 where we can get 70cl bottles. We still get all the same 75cl varieties, but I have noticed that more and more 70cl bottles from brands we never used to see have started showing up. The first one I saw was an Ardnamurchan in 70cl, and recently saw Clydeside, and Barelegs. I have also noticed that some of the brands we always received are starting to show up in 70cl bottles instead of 75cl. I have seen Springbank, Hazelburn , Glenallachie, and Edradour in the 70cl bottles.
I sense Ardbeg ugadail coming up soon! Won a lot of awards too!
US gets Nikka FTB in a 750ml bottle. $70 on CA.
. . . in the UK 50cl for $56
@@thewhiskybothy not trying to be a party pooper but a few weeks ago i bought a bottle for 29€ in luxembourg
Same price here in NC, a control state.
In my personal opinion, I don't think the missing transparency is the main problem but rather the price they charge for those "sweet lies". Of course, it depends a little bit on your local market, here I pay on average around 40$ (+/- 5$ depending on where you buy it and if it's a good deal) for Nikka FTB 500ml. Which is maybe not phenomenal but at least also not complete daylight robbery.
On the other hand, we are living in a corporate world where most thoughts are about the quarterly financial report...so from their perspective, it's probably the best move in a short term view. Especially with goods that are oriented towards consumer markets like ours, where most people buy the prestige, image or promised lifestyle so on and not the product anymore.
From philosophy back to our favorite beverage though. While the changes made 2021 are for now completely optional at least there is some rising aspiration in their industry to restore at least somewhat an image of pride & integrity and while there are probably still gonna be a lot of black sheep, we see somewhat of a movement like with Nikka, that started to declaring it more clear on the homepage of their products or with Suntory, that even went a step further last year with their release of Ao.
Which they have not called "Japanese Whiskey" anymore but "World Whisky" and clearly stated on the label that it includes Irish, Scottish, American, Canadian and Japanese Whisky. They even went further and state the exact distillery it came from on their product page. Yamazaki & Hakushu for Japan, Cooley for Ireland, Jim Beam for America, Alberta for Canada and Ardmore plus Glen Garioch for Scottland.
So I guess there's some silver lining at the horizon. I for my part at least don't want to completely lose hope for Whisky and in the meanwhile try to reward those few producer/distillers left with some integrity by giving them a chance to make me their customer.
Just an FYI, in the US, Nikka from the barrel is sold in 750 ml bottles, the standard bottle size here.
Here in NC (a control state), a 750 ml bottle runs $70. Considering the mystery surrounding Japanese whisky, I've grown very hesitant when I'm considering buying a bottle, and Nikki FTB seems to have a couple question marks. I've had Suntory Toki before, a pretty good introductory Japanese dram at a good price. Will get this again at some point, but I think the next one I _may_ pursue is Kikori, distilled entirely in Japan, 100% rice mash bill (never had that), aged 3 years, and is substantially cheaper than this Nikka. It's low on volume (41% I think) but there's a bit more transparency here and that goes a long way for me.
Sadly a lot of the mystery surrounding japanese whisky has a distinct bovine smell, and I don't mean wagyu steak 😏
Love NFTB, one of my favorites for sure. I always taste honey and figs along with the light smoke and barrel spice.. I think it's a beautiful blend.
Also people say it's pricey but man, not where I live. I'm in the states and must be lucky because a 750ml bottle is about 52 bucks. Really amazing for the quality imo so I have like 3 bottles in stock haha
Great video. I have always quite enjoyed Nikka, but it is not cheap per litre, as you point out.
I find a lot of the Japanese offerings annoyingly variable. I had a bottle of Hibiki Harmony (my favourite whisky of all time is Hibiki 30) about a year ago that tasted almost entirely of grain whisky, to the point that I thought it might be a fake.
15 years ago this whisky was going for €20 per 500ml and was really good value for money. It wasn’t very special, but good quality and a nice dram to get an evening started with and/or to share with people not very familiar with whisky. These days it is just way too expensive for what it is, it’s still a nice dram, but just too expensive to me.
As for shochu, as others have said, no, that is not whisky, it’s much more like vodka, but can be made from anything at all though the overwhelming majority is sweet potato or wheat barley. “Real” Japanese whisky are the exceedingly cheap 5 liter bottles of Nikka liquor, which is worse than drain cleaner. “Proper” Japanese whisky is their quality single malts like Yoichi, Miyagikyou, or the better bottlings of Yamazaki. Unfortunately, those are also absurdly expensive these days only because of the hype. Regular Yamazaki isn’t even anything special but easily fetches more than premium prices.
Shochu is definitely worth getting into by the way, there are some real gems to be found there. Though unfortunately difficult to find anything good round these parts. I always enjoy shochu whenever I go over to Japan.
Great review.
I bought a bottle of this some years ago just to try something Japanese, and really quite enjoyed it. Although not enough to ever buy another one though....
If it hasn't got a bit of bite aboot it, I'm nay buyin it.
Ralfy, I've been living in Japan for almost 12 years. Unfortunately, lack of disclosure and dishonestly seems to be just an inherent part of Japanese culture. Your review resonated with me on several different levels. The Japanese whisky industry had a golden opportunity several years ago but blew it with this kind of BS. There could be anything in a bottle of Japanese whisky. I steer well away from the stuff.
. . . thank you for the endorsement of my perspective.
People have been sold the idea that "age doesn't matter" with NAS marketing with whiskies of all types and never seemed to mind. So much for disclosure and honesty.
Yoichi, Miyagikyo, Nikka Coffy Grain, Ben Nevis and maybe other things are in this. Much prefer the distillery Yoichi and Miyagikyo single malt bottles.
Very interesting video Ralfy!!
Wont be looking for this
Hm... So Nikka FTB gets 81 blended mark and that Queen Margot 3yo from Lidl that was on the table gets 85 blended mark. Doesn't make sense in my opinion.
It is always nice to see a review of something that I have tried. My initial thoughts were: "Smooooooooth. Quite similar to a bourbon. light/easy , soft. I am told fruity, but more like charred oak barrel."
Nikka announced they are increasing their whiskies by up to 56% from next April 1st fyi.
…in Japan…..dont know if that affects prices out of Japan…
Looking forward and hoping! I do like Japanese whiskies
Ralfy, you just kicked the bucket, but you're still alive, thank God! 😂😂😄😛🤣
What an interesting review - thank you. Just how poor must a whisky be to be scored under 80? Listening to the review I am surprised this scored quite so well, even as a blend.
The first time I bought this Nikki whisky in Tokyo supermarket at 2017, cost only 1700 yens(about 13 dollars)! Advice by my mentor, "dun buy fancy price whisky, buy this." he said.
The cheapest appears to be in Tokyo at $30 CAD. It’s 45£ on whisky exchange which is $75 CAD. But in Alberta I can get it for $45 CAD (27£) if it goes on sale. 500 mL bottle
It was nice but a bit sharp for me,
It is a crying shame that I have been buying Japanese whisky for a long time (before all the awards) and all of these whisky were very fairly priced and a very good quality,
Unfortunately they have taken the cash grab and jumped in to meet demand with a lesser product for a higher price. I used to be able to buy a age statement migakiyo or Yoichi (forgot the spelling) for around £40 and it was a fine whisky.
Mars with some of there ranges are spectacular,
Ever since Hibiki hit the headlines it’s become a nightmare to buy Japanese.
A certain website did a great diagram on each whisky and wether or not it is produced in Japan by the distillery or not.
I think the key now is to avoid the big names and search out the smaller brands willing to wait for the product
In the US, this whisky is offered in 750ml bottles.
Great review. "Reading between the lines" I dont think this is the one you would have picked as the winner from the OSWA short-list. Which one would you have chosen?🤔
. . . true.
@@thewhiskybothy But which blended would you have picked as the winner? Or if you cant say that, which is your favourite from the short-list?
It may be what they aim for. After all the founder, Masataka Taketsuru, travelled to Scotland in 1918 to learn the process of distilling Scotch whisky first hand. He studied organic chemistry under Prof. T. S. Patterson at the University of Glasgow and malt whisky production at the Hazelburn distillery, in Campbeltown near the Mull of Kintyre. As a result they will produce a western style whisky. Not cynical.
US it's mid-60s where I live (or 90, see it only for those prices) and come in 750s
Thanks ralfy. One word came to mind as you worked to describe this whisky. Knockoff.
Had my first sips today. It’s fantastic
Superb whisky but terrible pouring bottle. Otherwise, a great buy if you can find it - its been around here (LCBO) for a while at $70 CAD - its good value even for 500ml.
I have stopped buying Japanese whisky. Although I liked it, there was three problems: it was over priced, over hyped and in the end of the day I'd no idea what I was drinking or where it was from.
@@Handles_are_garbageyes, the hype caused the price increase. Shame really. Japanese whiskies, especially the single malts were good value for money. Now they’re so ridiculously expensive they’re just not worth the money anymore…
Can't disagree with this rationale at all. Totally understandable.
Just a note about ABV. The rear label on the product states 51.4%, which is likely to be more accurate than the 51% figure given next to what seems to be the Japanese text on the front label. Alcoholic beverages sold in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, or the EU that are above 1.2% (other than beer or wine) must be labeled to a tolerance of +/- 0.3% under Annex XII of the Food Infornation to Consumers legislation (retained version in GB). So, I'd assume the legally required rear label amount of 51.4% is most accurate. Still, the more important figure is the volume. - wouldn't pay £40-45 in the UK for 50cl when there are other cheaper/better looking alternatives, like the Thompson Brothers TB/BSW or TRV5. However, hoping that we see Koji whisky appearing in the UK/EU market soon. Cheers 🥃
All hail "Nikka from Ben Nevis"! Vox Populi Vox dei. How long do we figure until Jameson and JW completely dominate OSWAs? 😏
Nice Ben Nevis!
man that whiskey transported ya there Ralfer
Ralfy, ur Videos are highlighting my Whiskyweek everytime! Thanks a lot! Speaking of the far East: Will you have some Kavalan too in the near future? I would be interested in your professional opinion. Keep it up! Greetings from the german Coast.
Ive looked at this many times over years but never bought it always bought a full size bottle of something else. I just picked up a wormtub 10 which is cask strength from master of malt for £40, on flash sale lovely drop im not gonna say what whisky i think it is but i tried it next to it and found it very enjoyable and would of happily paid the rrp of just under £50. Really enjoy your videos dont very often comment but this nikka always seemed overpriced and you have confirmed my suspicion.
I was getting this from Waitrose £35 lovely stuff
I llike so much Nikka from the barrel.
Any ideas to try another Japanese whisky at around the same price ?
Remember this few years ago, then I think the amount of really old spirits was really hi. Old leather was all over the place.
Ralfy do you think you could in 2023 review some grain drams ? Some 100% Rye ones or any others like that, I'd be glad to know what you think Cheers
For me real whisky is Scotch Single malt Whisky, cant consider myself drinking any other one especially neat. any other whisky as well as bourbon too.
queen Margot, an Aldi favorite or Lidl can't remember ;)
Feel for people buying £30 - £70 “Japanese whisky”. If only they knew it’s often distilled elsewhere and that money could buy fabulous Scotch, Irish or American whisky with much tighter laws surrounding how they’re made.
Hi ralfy
I totally disagree with your score, I bought 2 bottles recently for $80.00 dollars each, 750 ml, and it was a rebuy from a bottle I had purchased before, I give it a 91 points myself. I love this whiskey, and it has sold out everywhere I shop. I would also let you know for reference that springbank (if you can find it) is now being sold here in the US without a boxes, and the bottles are now 700 MLS, now that is a shame not nikia from the barrel. I bought 2 bottles of there 10 year old,and they had 4 more left, they had no other ages of there stuff available, it's getting harder to find anymore, but I think you were to hard on nikia ftb, it was a 97 points from the whiskey advocate magazine in 2018 and I and others love it. Cheers ralfy, this is the first time you and I have to disagree on your score of a whiskey !!!
😂🤣Ralfy you are always right, too honest review that gets funny, I am a fan of Ralfy reviews,
Perish the thought that Ralfy EVER kicks the bucket
hm, 81... Just as reminder, 7 euro blended whisky from Lidl "Queen Margot", previously reviewed by Ralfy, got mark 85...
WH is going on with this marks?
in US those bottles are 750 and priced right now at $80. It was $60, much better price 😅
Great review Ralfy. You wouldn't believe how many times I eyed up that Nikka at the store. I've only ever tried the Toki and found it very nuanced and delicate. Can you recommend any Japanese whisky's that are integrity bottles?
. . . I just don't know any more what is 'genuine' from Japan.
It will be really interesting tho see what happens to Japanese whiskey now after the rules have changed.
. . . the rules havn't changed, the 'changes' are 100% optional.
@@thewhiskybothy OK. I read it before as the rules will be in force from next year, however I also just read now "The new rules don’t come with any penalties and, of course, they only apply to brands that are part of the JSLMA." Funny thing about them rules....
Smooth!! 😂 yea that the same thing that is we all hear
This whiskey is the best for mixing whiskeys and first-aid of disappointing bottles
I just baught the bottle today in Europe 40 euro i baught it on the spot because i never try a Japanese one it was nice packing en small bottle i stil need to try it i regret buying this after watching the video en reading the comments 😭🤣 damm i never buy something on the spot again i normally always read do research bevore i buy a bottle bud becouse it was cheap only 40 bucks i bought it 😢😢😢
Mars distillery makes some fine Japanese whiskies. Kavalan from Taiwan is also very good!
+1 on Kavalan. Not strictly integrity bottlings in many cases but really good nevertheless. When flying through Asia (e.g. SIN-TPE-IAH) I try to fly Eva Air because they serve it onboard. The great selection of duty free whisky at TPE airport is a bonus during the layover. Better than in Singapore IMHO.
@@bradl2636 i own 2 bottles of Mars Komagatake and on the label is written: non chill filtered. Don't know about colouring btw. I also own a kavalan Virgin Oak CS ( for dramtime in the Netherlands) and on this label it is stated non chill filtered and natural colour.
If all that matters is what I’m the bottle, then why rant against them adding whatever is needed to make the blend it’s best? It’s high AVB, it’s quality… what else matters? It’s a blend, judge it as such.
People love this whisky. I don't get it myself, especially for the price and presentation.
I've watched a few of your reviews and that is the first time I've heard you describe one as "smooth"! BTW the computer says "no" when I tried numerous times to rejoin the Patreon Pals. Dunno why? Perhaps I am banned?!
Let's all remember liqour like many other things in life is subjective. That's first. Secondly and more importantly, the liqour that you like is the" best liqour". Forget the snobbery, the pomp and circumstance. Nobody's opion matters other than yours. Always remember that. There is no keeping up with the Jones so to say.
Thank you Ralfy your the best! Will be relocating to Ireland soon. Hope all is well with you. Love your country. You are a lucky man. Wish that I was there now! Lol, take care Ralfy.
In this global era, do we have a so-called standard Whisk(e)y? American, Canadian, Indian, Japanese, and Taiwanese, etc all make their own world views (perspectives) of Whiskies.
❤
I would rather spend $95 for a 75cl bottle of Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Whisky. Or $60 for a Hibiki Harmony.
I got some bad news Ralfy… Nikka From The Barrel (NFTB) doesn’t meet the definition of Japanese Whisky. From Nikka’s website on this product… “This product does not meet all the criteria of “Japanese whisky“ defined by the Japan Spirits & Liqueur Makers Association.”. Nikka (now part of Asahi Group) purchased Ben Nevis in 1989 and about a third of Ben Nevis is exported to Japan where it is a blend component in Nikka Black. Would not surprise me if some finds its way into other blends. So NFTB is not strictly “Japanese” but certainly a World Whisky. I was in Japan in November and the best Japanese whisky I had was Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu The Peated 2018 which is labelled “Japanese Single Malt Whisky”. On a different topic if you’re wondering where all of the Springbank has gone… it seems to be in Tokyo… I found it all over the place. Even in the bar at my hostel. Yes, hostel. Hostels in Japan are awesome. On the subject of what grain is used mostly in Japanese whisky it’s malted barley. Corn is not presently used… but… Hokkaido Liberty Whisky’s Benizakura Distillery in Sapporo plans to release the first corn-based Japanese whisky in 2026.
. . . and the box states "Product Of Japan". I suspect 90% of Ben Nevis is shipped in casks to Japan for 'blending'. When I'm next in Japan, I will look out for Springbank.
@@thewhiskybothy I haven’t seen a bottle recently but they label many things “Product of Japan” when assembled from Japanese and imported materials. “Made in Japan” Is generally at least in my experience more likely much closer to 90-100% Japanese. This is why I buy Makita power tools from Japan directly not from my local hardware store. Completely different quality. On the whisky front “Japanese Single Malt Whisky” is pretty unambiguous. I remember there was an outfit in Kyushu at one point “aging” shochu in old barrels and calling it “whisky”. The industry in Japan has lost so much credibility I confess I’m stunned that people pay the prices they do.
I regret my buy today i only like normally Scottish whisky or Ireland whisky my heart gos to Scottish whisky ofcourse i have so many bottles 😂 bud today i saw this in my liquor store i never had try a Japanese whisky i thaught why not it looked nice small bottle only 40 euro i had something why not i buy it on the spot normally i always do research bevore i buy something bud becouse i never had a Japanese one en the price only 40 euro i bought it 🤣 bud now i regret the buy i stil need to try it bud after watching youre review i can see you don't like it 😂😭😭 waste of 40 euro 😂 i stil try it tomorrow ofcourse bud my hopes are low now afther watching youre review
But if the age doesn't matter anyway, why does the content... if someone, somewhere, manages to say "it's good"? Opinion is nice, but I prefer production information. It's too bad that we're buying into the corporate line here that if "it's good enough, you don't need to know what it is". As far as I can see, Nikka just took corporate thinking in Scotch on NAS and other factors to its logical conclusion - if quality is supposedly an excuse for non transparency, then no one really "needs" to know anything about any product. One can't be an informed consumer without information, which is why reviews of NAS products should still be refused on principle alone.
50cl i think puts me off
So in short, a good whisky to add a drop of Le Frogg to....
If I want an inofensive sweet "smooth" whisky ill pick loch lomond single grain over this Nikka anytime. And half the price.
Happy Chinese new year.
Oh Japanese regulator put some regulations on making Japanese whisky that to be labeled as Japanese lately like 2020(?) That's why There's no such label on Nikka FTB!
. . . perhaps !
Monkey shoulder much better value introduction blend.
"I just kicked the bucket".... Please don't.
I’ve always avoided Japanese whiskey on principle: it’s trying to be Scotch, so why not just drink Scotch?
There’s also been the fact that the good stuff that wins awards is out of my budget!
… but if in Japan they’ve just been buying Scotch and barreling it there for a couple of months so they can call it Japanese, well… my prejudices have been totally justified.
I’d much rather have been wrong than right on this, but will continue to steer well clear of imitation Scotch.
A lie by omission is still a lie.
Not to be a turd but, no thanks...I'll take a dirty ol' Mortlach.
I now regret this purchase
It‘s about 34€ isn‘t it. So that‘s not very expensive
£34 for half a litter bottle of blend is it enough expensive? Just for example: Wee Beaste 0.7L bottle costs £34. This is Not expensive. No more question. 🥂🙋🏻♂️