Nikka From the Barrel Flask Gift Set

Nikka From the Barrel 51.4%

$67.99

This whisky was featured on Day 21 of our 2024 KWM Not An Advent Calendar Tastings! You can read more about the whisky here.

Note: Nikka's own website notes that this bottle does not meet the criteria to be called a Japanese Whisky. The good news is that might mean it also contain Ben Nevis Single Malt, as Scotland's Ben Nevis Distillery is also owned by Nikka.

Nikka's venerated from the Barrel has been a staple of our whisky shelves for years and will hopefully remain so. This creation from Nikka is a blend of grain and malt from multiple distilleries owned by the company. It is always bottled at 51.4% ABV after the components are married in refill casks for up to half a year to marry together and become a cohesive whole.

500mL bottle.

From the Producer: “Produced from a blend of Miyagikyo and Yoichi single malts and a single grain whisky, NIKKA FROM THE BARREL embodies the expertise of the distillery’s master blenders. Intense, round, and generous, this ambitious, powerful, controlled, high-alcohol blend is acknowledged for its originality. This is a bold whisky. It seizes you and seduces you. It asserts its own style.

Suntory Whisky Toki

$64.99

This new Japanese blend is crafted crafted from malt whisky distilled at Yamazaki and Hakushu, as well as grain whisky from the Chita distillery. Toki is Japanese for 'time', and is a "is a bridge between the heritage of the House’s Art of Blending and its spirit of innovation."

From the Producer: "Suntory Whisky Toki™ represents the tradition and legacy of the House as it features the quintessential characteristics of a Suntory blend: exquisite balance, harmony, and oneness. It also challenges whisky convention by re-thinking the hierarchy of its components. The selection of Hakushu American White Oak cask malt whisky and Chita heavy-type grain whisky as the blend's two pillars overturns the old relationship between malt and grain and creates a blend that is both groundbreaking and timeless. Overseen by third-generation Master Blender and grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and developed by fourth Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo."

Producer Tasting Note

Nose: Basil, green apple, honey

Palate: Grapefruit, green grapes, peppermint, thyme

Finish: Subtly sweet and spicy finish with a hint of vanilla oak, white pepper and ginger.

Toki Highball

1. 1 part Suntory Whisky Toki
2. 3½ parts Soda
3. Lemon Twist Fill highball glass with sweated ice. Add Suntory Whisky Toki
4. Pour soda down the side of the glass that is away from the ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Hibiki Harmony

$154.99

*Currently Limited - 1 Per Customer Maximum*

The base of the whisky, Japanese single malts and grain, have been matured in American oak casks. The dressing is the more rare and complex Sherry and Mizunara (Japanese oak) notes. The single malts have been sourced from Hakushu and Yamazaki and the grain whiskies from Chita. This is the first Suntory whisky made available in Canada in more than 2 years. 

Andrew's Tasting Note

Nose: clean, floral and grainy with a touch of juicy malt; delicate fruits, melon and kiwi with lots of vanilla and subtle spices.

Palate: juicy, fruity and floral with toasty American oak and rich spices (Mizunara?); lots of fruits here, more melon and kiwi, silky grains and chewy malt mingle with orange peel and vanilla bean.

Finish: long, toasty and silky with fading fruits, spices and sugars.

Comment: Japanese blends never seem to disappoint, and this one is no exception. It is very elegant and complex. Hopefully we get more than promissed...

Distiller's Tasting Note

Nose: rose, lychee, hint of rosemary, mature woodiness, sandalwood.

Palate: honeylike sweetness, candied orange peel, white chocolate.

Finish: subtle, tender long finish, with hint of Mizunara (Japanese oak).