Nikka Pure Malt Red

Description

Nikka Pure Malt Red Bottling Note

Nikka Pure Malt Red, sold by Nikka Whisky, is, as the name suggests, a whisky composed solely of malt. It was first released in 1984. The master blender at the time, Takeshi Taketsuru, wanted people to simply enjoy the deliciousness of 100% malt, leading him to launch the Pure Malt whisky, stripped of any unnecessary embellishments.

The Pure Malt series currently consists of two main lineups. One is this bottle, the “Pure Malt Red,” which has red lettering printed on a craft paper label. The Red is designed to offer a floral and vibrant malt flavor, primarily built around malt whiskies from the Miyagikyo Distillery.

The other is the “Pure Malt Black,” which has black lettering. This one is based on malt whiskies from the Yoichi Distillery and is known for its robust and powerful malt character. In the past, the Pure Malt series also included a “White” expression, which was blended using peated malt as its base, but it has since been discontinued. Nikka Pure Malt White was apparently not a big seller.

Nikka Pure Malt Red, being based on Miyagikyo malt whisky, is positioned like a “Lowland Malt” in the Scotch world. It’s a vibrant, easy-to-drink bottle with a light mouthfeel.

While the whiskies used in the blend aren’t officially disclosed, in addition to Miyagikyo, it’s possible the blend includes malt from Yoichi, the company’s first distillery, and potentially even malt from the Ben Nevis Distillery in Scotland, which Nikka owns.

Nikka Pure Malt Red Tasting Note

Nose: Sweet honey and sherry cask aromas rise, along with floral notes. There’s a sweetness reminiscent of vanilla and nuts, bright pear fruit, and quince herb. A smoky aroma from the Yoichi malt can be sensed deep within, but it’s much more restrained than in the Black expression.

Palate: The honey aroma spreads across the mouth, with a sweetness that swells like syrup. Hints of quince and herbs develop, followed by woody notes and a trailing bitterness.

Finish: You can taste the malty toastiness extending into the finish, with the bitter flavor slowly fading away at the end.

Overall: The overall taste is crisp and light on the palate, but without feeling thin or watery. It carries the vibrant character of Miyagikyo, and the combination of honey, herbs, and a subtle touch of peat creates a superb, delicate flavor.