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“From the Barrel” won the gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2016 for the fifth year in a row.

In 2009, “From the Barrel” was also selected as the “Best Japanese Blended Whisky” at the World Whisky Awards (WWA), an international whisky competition, as a representative of Japan beyond the framework of subcategories, overcoming so-called aged products such as 17-year-old and 21-year-old whiskies. In 2009, it was selected as the “Best Japanese Blended Whiskey” as a representative of Japan beyond the framework of subcategories.

The Bottle

As the name suggests, it is from the barrel and has an alcohol content of 51.4 degrees.

“From the Barrel” is a blend of malt and grain that has been matured and then re-barreled and restocked for several months. This process is called “marriage” and it is during this time that the different whiskey personalities blend together as if they were married, resulting in a harmonious taste.

Many re-stored whiskeys are watered down to 40-45% alcohol before bottling, but “From the Barrel” is watered down to 51% alcohol. From the Barrel” has been set at 51% alcohol by minimizing the use of water splashes, which gives it a bold and satisfying drinkability, as well as a rich yet delicate aroma and flavor harmony created by re-storing (marrying).

Our Take

Nikka’s signature blended whiskey! The taste and aroma are outstanding!

As for how to drink it, I recommend drinking it straight or twisting it up.
Also, the alcohol content is high, so be careful not to drink too much. If you haven’t tried From the Barrel yet, why don’t you check it out? Please give it a try!

(All Images Courtesy of JPWhisky.net)

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