Nikka Gold & Gold Shelf Review
Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.
While this is technically a shelf review, it’s likely you’ll never notice this particular bottle between the Toki or Hibiki Harmony. That’s because this is a Tokyo travel retail exclusive and is supposedly found only in either Narita or Haneda airports. This bottle features intricate metal clad samurai armor adorning the bottle and a blended whisky from Nikka inside. And while Nikka Gold & Gold has a show-stopping bottle, is the whisky inside equally as dramatic?
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 43%
Cask: Blended grain and malt whiskies of various casks
MSRP: Around $60 US at Haneda Airport
Distillery Name: Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries
Review Date: 12/21/20
Nose: Very subtle nose. Floral and sweet with soft perfume notes. There are some grassy, herbal notes coming through accompanied by a green mint as well. There is a slight burn from the ethanol coming through even at this low proof. But overall, not a lot going on the nose.
Palate: Light palate as well, with floral notes dominating with some vanilla sweetness. As the whisky sits in the glass, more pine and winter mint notes appear. Fresh cut lawn and grain notes. A slight citrus zest as well. Very mild spice which leads to a very light and smooth overall palate. It’s refreshing and I imagine would be excellent in a highball. The body is a bit thinner than the other Nikka expressions I have experienced.
Finish: A short, sweet finish that ends quite dry and with a splash of bitterness. The grassy and herbal notes continue, this time accompanied by black tea and more pine. An earthy quality that wasn’t on the palate makes a short appearance as well. There is very little burn, and leaves a lingering dry, minty note.
