The Taketsuru 12 is a blended malt from Nikka comprised of malt whisky from Yoichi and Miyagikyo. It is named after the founder of the Nikka Whisky Company, Masataka Taketsuru. Taketsuru is known as the father of Japanese whiskies and his story is truly inspiring. I’ll write about that later.

While Nikka have released quite a few “pure malts” in the west, this one is a bit different in that it is completely Japanese. This might come as a shock to some readers but the Pure Malt Series (Red, Black, and White) actually contain whisky from the  Ben Nevis distillery which is owned by Nikka. From what I’ve heard, it is actually cheaper for Nikka to produce spirit at Ben Nevis and ship it over than it is to produce spirit in Japan. Makes sense considering they mostly import their malt from Europe anyway.

Type: Blended Malt

Distillery: Yoichi and Miyagikyo

Age: 12 Years

ABV: 43%

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TheMadVatter

Nose

Bakewell tarts with maraschino cherries. Tropical fruits like mangosteens or rambutans.

Taste

Almost like that last bit of tiramisu soaked in liquor that dissolves in your mouth. Sweet richness with a hint of coffee beans.

Toward the end there is this slight licorice feel that leads to a bit of spice.

Finish

Refined old oak furniture. A classic library from an old mansion. A bit of sweet perfume from the lady of the house.

Rating

8.5

After Thoughts

I first tried this whisky at the Glasgow Whisky Festival in 2013. I was impressed with it enough to purchase a bottle and I have not been disappointed. I wish this whisky were bottled at a stronger ABV but at 43% it makes a good breakfast whisky. Or something for people just getting into harder alcohol.

2015/5/2