Ever in demand and always a topic of conversation, Japanese whisky has undergone some changes of late. As age-statement single malts skyrocketed in price, affordable blends from the likes of Nikka and Hibiki have come to the forefront. Whisky Advocate’s 2018 Whisky of the Year, Nikka From the Barrel, is part of this trend, neatly highlighting the reasons for Japanese whisky’s continued popularity. The blended whisky clocks in at a relatively powerful 51.4% ABV yet remains balanced and elegant.