Nikka From the Barrel Whisky

Nikka FTB reached US shores only in 2018 - which it promptly won whiskey of the year - but has been made for decades in Japan.  It is a blended whiskey but comprised of over 100 whiskies finished in an array of barrels, from ex-bourbon, sherry butts, refilled hogsheads, and more.  The bottle might understate that level of complexity, but this is a full-flavored, beautiful whiskey with notes of butterscotch, orange peel, ginger, and stone fruit but also more savory tones of coffee, sea salt, and tobacco.  Not to be missed and in a world of Japanese whiskey prices climbing and climbing, it is a gem at under $100.

51.4%