Nikka Days Japanese Whisky Review

By Michael Cervin

Rating: B

Nikka was founded in Japan in 1934 and currently uses two different distilleries to hone their blends. As the bottom tier blended whisky of the Nikka brand (The Nikka, and Super Nikka hold the top spots), the Days iteration is meant to be light, easy going and affordable for everyday use. If you’re new to whiskey in general, or Japanese whisky in particular, Nikka Days is a fine introduction into this spirit, being fairly mild and thus more palatable to more people.

The Whisky

Color: Light amber-orange color.

Nose: Light peat is first off the glass, then light cinnamon, malt, sweet citrus and caramel.

Palate: This blend sits softly on the palate without barely any sense of burn. There are light notes of cinnamon, crème brûlée, browned butter, butterscotch, caramel, citrus zest and mild Asian five spice. It is mild, and meant to be mild and not meant to be an aggressive whiskey and at 40% ABV, it doesn’t drink like it. You’d expect a bit more girth, but this rather delicately balances fruity and malted flavors along with peat. It’s a bit sweet, no doubt to cater to a broad demographic, but there is a still a peppery and smooth quality. This is ideal for those new to whiskey and brown spirits and anyone who wants a small glass of solid whisky that is pleasant and agreeable.

The Price
$49.99 is the higher end and typically it retails for $45.