Nikka Gold and Gold, is a blend that it common in the domestic Japanese market. This Samurai edition is exclusive to travel retail in Japan so it is unavailable elsewhere except on the secondary market. The malt whisky in it comes from the Yoichi distillery. Nose: Fairly dry and malty start before the emergence of the sweet flavours; toffee, vanilla and soft sweet spices (ginger). Towards the get some Christmas notes; warm spices, brandied dried fruit, brandy tart and some very light Christmas cake. Palate: Smooth, round and warming, especially with some time, with a subtle hint of peat. Sweet spiciness (cinnamon and ginger) again, some pepper notes, maltiness and a wood spice warm tingle at back of ones mouth. A pleasant enough palate. Finish: Medium to long finish that is warm with sweet soft spiciness (pepper and ginger)