"Nikka Whisky From The Barrel"

[Gate]

A friend of mine who doesn't like whisky was given a bottle of "Nikka Whisky From the Barrel" and has passed it on to me to drink (top man ). Trouble is, apart from the name, the only thing on the label not in Japanese characters is "alc. 51.4%" and "500 ml.", and I can't read Japanese. Does anyone know anything about it, e.g. whether it is a single malt, vatted malt, blend or what? Whatever it is, I was pleasantly surprised on first quick unscientific taste: immediate thought was that it was a pretty good blend,reminiscent of Johnny Walker Black Label. I may just have to get some of the Yoichi Cask Strength 10 y.o. next...

[scotspain]

This is a non-chillfiltered cask stenght Blend!

[Gate]

Well, it's a fine blend. The last time I had Japanese whisky (Suntory), I thought it was very bland and undistinguished, and a bit soapy, but this stuff is a revelation. I've now tasted it head-to-head with JW Black, and there are some similarities, although the JW still wins (as it does over most whiskies, I have to say).