Nikka Samurai Gold & Gold Blended Whisky

The special edition (Japanese Duty-Free exclusive) with removable samurai armor and helmet on the top of the bottle. This version is called “Shirobin” (White Bottle), though the label is all black. The design of the label is as it was back in the 1970s when Nikka first launched its Gold & Gold expression. Please note that the top part is made out of plastic, not metal. The producer has switched to a plastic top packaging a couple of years ago.

This bottle doesn’t leave you indifferent. Love it or hate it, the Japanese always have something new and different up their kimono sleeve.

Color: Bright amber to burnished with long and slow medium to thick legs.
Nose: Fairly dry and malty start before the emergence of the sweet flavors; toffee, vanilla, and soft sweet spices (ginger). Towards the get some Christmas notes; warm spices, brandied dried fruit, brandy tart, and some very light Christmas cake.
Palate: Smooth, round, and warming, especially with some time, with a subtle hint of peat. Sweet spiciness (cinnamon and ginger) again, some pepper notes, maltiness, and a wood spice warm tingle at the back of one’s mouth. A pleasant enough palate.
Finish: Medium to long finish that is warm with sweet soft spiciness (pepper and ginger) and slightly drying.