Nikka Pure Malt White is our final review in the Japanese series. I’ve regularly heard rumours that White also contains some peated Scotch. Other sources claim only the malted barley was imported from Islay, which makes more sense perhaps. In any case it is impossible to find official confirmation for this. Nikka Pure Malt Black is also peated but it contains mainly (only?) heavily peated whisky from the Yoichi distillery.
Nikka Pure Malt White (43%, OB 2010, 50cl)
Nikka Pure Malt White (43%, OB 2010, 50cl)Nose: a very refined mix of elegant peat (clear and present, but not a kick in your face) and juicy fruits. Cold ashes, medicinal notes in the distance. Great balance with the Japanese influence: coconut cream, oranges, nectarine, passion fruit, a little leather. Hints of vanilla. I really like the fusion.
Mouth: starts Caol Ila-esk: smoky and slightly peppery. Hints of walnuts. Evolves on malty notes with honey and a distinct floweriness, which develops into a clear soapiness. Is this Yoichi and 1980’s Bowmore then? Bowmore is owned by Suntory, so it’s unlikely they would sell spirit to their opponent Nikka, but you never know.
Finish: again quite floral (violets and lavender) with a dry peatiness.
Flowery notes are sometimes a bit tricky and personally I have difficulty with all kinds of soapy notes. Maybe other batches are more enjoyable? Around € 30 (50 cl).
Score: 75/100
This concludes our little Japanese series. Some great Longmorns coming up after the weekend.