It’s true: Good things come to those who wait.

Just a quick note here, really. Early in 2019, because Whisky Advocate (WA) publishes its Top 20 list early in the year following the nominal year) I saw that WA named Nikka Whisky From the Barrel the top new whisky of 2018. I was already familiar with some of Nikka’s products, especially its gin but other whiskies as well, so I really wanted to find and try this one.

As one should expect, though, a person can’t steal a bottle of WA’s whisky of the year around Rochester, NY, without inside connections that I lacked.

Time passed, and when I showed up to work at Pinnacle Wine & Liquor yesterday (March 31), lo and behold: a handsome row of Nikka Whisky From the Barrel was peering at me from the end of the Scotch shelves, quietly whispering my name.

It was worth waiting for. This is a delicious blend of Nikka’s grain and malt whiskies, aromatic to the nose and smooth on the palate. There is a touch of peat smoke to it that follows the notes of caramel and vanilla, and it is very, very enjoyable neat at room temp or over a small ice cube. Definitely a whisky worth the $69.99 price tag and worth savoring. Get it while you can.

To learn more about the Nikka whisky story, click here. It was founded by Masataka Taketsuru in pre-World War II Japan, after he apprenticed in Scotland, so you’ll be tasting the very roots of fine Japanese whisky.