Nikka Pure Malt Black

Parts III and IV of my Nikka Tasting notes cover two whiskies in the Pure Malt range - Black and White. These are both blended malts so could be considered antecedents to the Taketsuru Pure Malt expressions (12, 17 and 21 Year Olds). Pure Malt Black gets the majority of it's malt from Yoichi, the rest from Miyagikyo.

The colour is burnished copper; the nose is heavy with malt, solvent, walnuts, and some peat smoke. Lots of toffee and dark fruits.Quite a rich nose - water brings out more of those solvent, turpentine notes.

The palate features even more toffee and caramel, also wet grass and liquorice. I get this acrid smoke, yet it is in the mouth rather than the nose. As you would expect, this is very malty but rather strong. Water spices things up a little, with some cloves and nutmeg.

The finish is medium length, but has depth of dark, juicy raisins - but a bitter off-note that is kind of tannic, or a bit too woody? I enjoy the nose of this more than the palate - perhaps some of it is slightly over-oaked? Enjoyable, but not quite up to the level of the From The Barrel nor the Taketsuru ranges. I feel like I enjoyed this more a few nights ago at our tasting than I am now...for some reason.

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