The Nikka 40 Year Old

Volume: 700ml / ABV: 43%

Dressed in its smart 'kimono' bottle like its younger sibling The Nikka 12 Year Old, as well as a wooden presentation box, this extraordinary well-aged blended Japanese whisky is something very, very special indeed. Utilising some of Nikka's oldest stock (it's said to contain 1940s Yoichi and late 1960s Miyagikyo!) it's also made up of only a third grain whisky. It's universally agreed that this is a true masterpiece of blending.

Tasting Note

Nose

Incredible: elegant and perfectly balanced, combining gentle fruit, soft spice and aromatic wood. Tropical notes of mango and papaya are joined by sweet berries before waves of cinnamon, nutmeg, musky eucalyptus, incense and anise add further complexity.

Palate

Silkily textured, and initially dark in character: chocolate and toasted orange accompanied by Chinese tea, with rich leather and tobacco notes. Lighter flavours develop and build on top, with citrus zest adding fresh overtones to this venerable whisky. Herbal notes join the fray, providing a leafy and aromatic core.
Finish: Soft at first, but it grows in weight, gathering citrus bitterness and gentle fruity sweetness.

Overall

A combination of old whiskies that emphasises and enhances the elegance and flavour they've picked up during their long years of maturation. An incredible whisky, evidence of the skill of Nikka's blenders.