Nikka Pure Malt White

Having just tasted the Pure Malt Black (which, by the way, is now available at the LCBO), we move on to the Pure Malt White (which, by the way, is not). This blended malt is mostly made up of malt distilled from barley brought in from Islay! So this should be interesting...and it is.

The colour is a medium-dark gold, a little lighter than the Black. The nose is, as you would expect, much more Islay peat smoke (and it IS Islay) - but it's not overwhelming. Heather, dry seaweed, some bandages, and very citrusy. Mint and aniseed. Water brings out more of those citrus notes; not as malty as the Black, by way of comparison.

The palate also features peat, but less smoke; more of the wet vegetal kind. You get mouth-puckering lemon and star anise. Herbs are more savoury in the palate than they are on the nose. Water ups the flavours on all fronts.

The finish is medium length - could be longer. But has some developing smoke and lemon pith. This is not as "malty" as the Black - it definitely feels more like an Islay single malt, and I am sure would pass as such in a blind taste test. But this is a delicious whisky, beautifully done. Funny, the other night I preferred the Black to the White...tonight, it is the other way around. Interesting...

Having just tasted the Pure Malt Black (which, by the way, is now available at the LCBO), we move on to the Pure Malt White (which, by the way, is not). This blended malt is mostly made up of malt distilled from barley brought in from Islay! So this should be interesting...and it is.

The colour is a medium-dark gold, a little lighter than the Black. The nose is, as you would expect, much more Islay peat smoke (and it IS Islay) - but it's not overwhelming. Heather, dry seaweed, some bandages, and very citrusy. Mint and aniseed. Water brings out more of those citrus notes; not as malty as the Black, by way of comparison.

The palate also features peat, but less smoke; more of the wet vegetal kind. You get mouth-puckering lemon and star anise. Herbs are more savoury in the palate than they are on the nose. Water ups the flavours on all fronts.

The finish is medium length - could be longer. But has some developing smoke and lemon pith. This is not as "malty" as the Black - it definitely feels more like an Islay single malt, and I am sure would pass as such in a blind taste test. But this is a delicious whisky, beautifully done. Funny, the other night I preferred the Black to the White...tonight, it is the other way around. Interesting...

The Nikka Pure Malt White is a peaty Japanese whisky composed of Islay malt, mostly. Surely this is provided by the Port Ellen Maltings, no?

The nose is a lot less sweet and offers the peat the spotlight. This reminds me of some Port Ellen indeed, imagine that! Some vanilla and again juicy fruit, just like the Pure Malt White. I get some oranges, red berries and strawberries. Something of sweetened buttermilk on top. I quite like it.

It is very oily and sweet. Oh, oh. After the first swallow it goes south very quicky. This is pure perfume. All the goodies from the nost return, but are all drowned out by the soapy taste. What a pity.

The finish is long and drying, but not pleasant at all.

The nose is more than ok, but that is all one can say. There is also a Nikke Pure Malt Red, with malt from Miyagikyo as the main component. All Nikka Pure Malt bottlings are 50cl.

Nikka Pure Malt White is our final review in the Japanese series. As a matter of fact, it’s not entirely Japanese. Pure Malt White is a blend of peated Nikka whisky and Scotch Islay whisky (probably Coal Ila). Nikka Pure Malt Black is also peated but it contains only Nikka whisky.

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?