Name: Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt - Whisky Nights
Brand: Nikka Whisky
Price: 9500 JPY
Availability: InStock

Description

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Bottling Note

Taketsuru is a whisky brand named after Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky. Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt is called a ‘pure malt’ because it’s a vatted malt whisky, blended using malt whiskies produced at two distilleries: Yoichi and Miyagikyo.

The aim of Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt was to create a malt whisky that was exceptionally easy to drink. Typically, compared to the less assertive grain whiskies, malt whiskies have a stronger character derived from the individual distilleries, resulting in a richer flavor profile. Therefore, it has generally been considered very difficult for a pure malt whisky, which blends malt whiskies from multiple distilleries, to achieve the same lightness as a blended whisky that uses grain whiskies.

However, just as Masataka Taketsuru continued to chase his dreams, achieving the ideal flavor required taking the more difficult path. Yoichi Distillery, with its rugged, freezing climate reminiscent of Scotland, produces bold malt, while Miyagikyo Distillery, nestled in misty valleys, creates a light and refined malt. Using blending techniques perfected by Nikka over the years, the distinct malts from these two distilleries are carefully harmonized to deliver an ease of drinking that surpasses even blended whiskies, all while retaining the character of a pure malt whisky.

The blenders have fully drawn out and integrated the flavors of the Yoichi and Miyagikyo malts based on their many years of accumulated knowledge and experience. The key malts are sherry cask-matured Yoichi and Miyagikyo malts, and remade cask-matured Miyagikyo malt. The powerful taste born from Yoichi’s traditional “coal-fired direct distillation” is combined with the soft and floral Miyagikyo malt, creating an easy-drinking whisky. Enjoy the unparalleled harmony of diverse aromas and flavors: a smooth and luscious mouthfeel, a floral and fruity aroma, the profound sweetness and richness of malt, and a gently lingering finish.

The history of the Taketsuru series began after the passing of Masataka Taketsuru, with the first release in 2000 under the name “Taketsuru 12 Year Pure Malt.” At the time, blended whiskies like Black Nikka enjoyed significant popularity. It was in this context that Taketsuru was developed with the concept of being a “malt whisky as approachable as blended whisky.” In 2001, the “Taketsuru 17 Year Pure Malt” was launched, followed by the “Taketsuru 21 Year Pure Malt” and “Taketsuru 25 Year Pure Malt.” However, due to the growing popularity of whisky in Japan and the global boom in Japanese whisky, Nikka faced a critical shortage of aged malt stocks. As a result, the “Taketsuru 12 Year Pure Malt” was discontinued in February 2014. In March of the same year, the non-age-statement “Taketsuru Pure Malt” was introduced. Yet, the shortage of aged stocks persisted, leading to the discontinuation of the “Taketsuru 17 Year,” “Taketsuru 21 Year,” and “Taketsuru 25 Year” in March 2020.

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Tasting Note

Nose: Fresh and sweet-sour fruit aromas like apple and apricot, sweet and mellow cask notes reminiscent of toast and vanilla.

Palate: Fruity notes like banana and navel orange, a light yet firm malt depth and the richness of peat are discernible.

Finish: A bittersweet aftertaste like bitter chocolate pleasantly lingers, accompanied by gentle cask and peat aromas.

Overall: A harmonious balance of bold malt flavors and delicate sweetness, showcasing mastery in blending.

Product details

Weight	2.0 kg
Name	Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt
Distillery/Brand	Yoichi Distillery / Miyagikyo Distillery / Nikka Whisky
Classification	Japanese Whisky
Style	Blended Malt Whisky (Vatted Malt/Pure Malt)
Region	Hokkaido and Miyagi, Japan
Age	NAS (No Age Statement)
Cask Type	Sherry casks, remade casks
Volume	700 ml
Alcohol	43% ABV
Released	First released in March 2014 (non-age statement version)
Availability	Limited due to aging stock shortages