Nikka 9 Decades 90th Anniversary Limited 2024

Serge Valentin, Whiskyfun.com "Well, this prestigious blend does set things off on the right foot, though it isn't entirely Japanese, as it contains Ben Nevis in addition to Yoichi, Miyagikyo, and a few other lesser-known distilleries. But, given that Ben Nevis is owned by Nikka and we're rather fond of Ben Nevis, there's no disappointment here. Rumour has it that the oldest component dates back to the 1940s (Yoichi 1945), meaning that the youngest would be from the 2020s (nine decades, see?). So, technically, it’s a very young whisky. But as always, it’s all about proportion and balance, isn't it? Colour: deep gold. Nose: well, they’ve inadvertently bottled a concoction of grand dark honeys—chestnut, heather, manuka, fir—enhanced with just a dash of maple syrup, fine molasses, and pine bud liqueur. Add to that beeswax, furniture polish, chestnut cream, and toffee. It's flawless in every way (and yes, do save the bees!). Mouth: a masterstroke. Rarely has a decidedly woody whisky been so delicious without relying heavily on a sherry kick. A marvellous blend of nuts, pistachios, almonds, pecans, with notes of black tea and cigar tobacco. It stays firmly within the realm of an old English club, without veering into the meaty or gamey territory found elsewhere (which we quite like too, by the way). Finish: rather long, balanced, almost fresh, with a focus on tobacco. Hints of mint and fir resin appear towards the end, followed by a note of orangettes as a final flourish. Comments: this doesn’t seem to be one of those NAS blends that merely flaunt an old component (like a cheeky 1928) but are actually quite young on average. There really is a significant amount of very old whisky in here. Oh, and save the bees!" SGP:562 - 92 points.