Nose: A little bit floral. Peaches, oak, peat, varnish, and pineapple. Malty, complex and smooth.
Palate: Very malty, bubblegum (a trait I find in many a Nikka/Yoichi/Miyagikyo whiskies), pepper, nutmeg, sweet peat and gentle smoke.
Finish: Excellent length, with peat, pepper, nutmeg, mint chocolate and lingering smoke.
General comment: Tasty and great value in Japan.
Rating: 87/100
Wondering how you determine the bottling year of Ex. Nikka Pure Malt Black. I see you reviewed 2010 & 2012 but I can find no year on my bottle. Thanx for any help. Your reviews are a great help. Now we can only hope that North America follows along and that more selections are soon available.
Wee Robbie
There is nothing on the bottle that I know can identify the age Robbie. I simply use the year I bought the bottle. I buy from Japan so this is not stuff that sits on the shelf for years before anybody buys them.