As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting the Nikka Coffey Malt and I must say that while it does have some coffee-like elements, it is not a coffee-flavored whisky. The name “Coffey Malt” might lead one to believe that it has a strong coffee flavor, but that is not the case.
The taste of Nikka Coffey Malt is actually quite light, but it does have a reasonably mouth-coating texture. The arrival on the palate is smooth and reminiscent of bourbon, with notes of caramel, butterscotch, and a hint of vanilla. These flavors give the whisky a sweet and creamy quality, similar to the flavors you might find in a bourbon.
In terms of fruitiness, I detected hints of peaches and bananas, adding a touch of freshness to the overall flavor profile. There is also a subtle presence of sweetened corn, which adds to the bourbon-like character of the whisky.
One interesting aspect of Nikka Coffey Malt is the underlying chocolate flavor that I found. It's not overpowering, but it adds a pleasant richness to the whisky. Additionally, there is a subtle hint of coffee, though I hesitate to call it a dominant flavor. It's more of a subtle note that adds depth to the overall taste experience.
In terms of spicing, I noticed a light touch of nutmeg, which adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the whisky. It's not overpowering, but it adds a nice balance to the other flavors present.
While Nikka Coffey Malt does have some coffee-like elements, it is not a coffee-flavored whisky. The coffee notes are subtle and complement the other flavors rather than overpowering them. If you're a fan of bourbon-like whiskies with a touch of sweetness and a hint of coffee, then Nikka Coffey Malt might be worth a try.