Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Pure Malt

2oz pour Had an interesting experience with this one at a bar. For me, this was a pretty good dram. I’d buy a full bottle if I saw it for ~$150, but it’s nothing I’d hunt down or pay way over retail for. But the couple sitting beside me was curious, and the height of their whisky experience was Glenlivet 18 and Macallan 15. I let them smell, and they were mind blown, and ended buying their own glass. The hook of Japanese whisky, and why demand is so high, is there is stunning beauty on the nose, but the palate is soft and approachable. And the finish is gentle but lasting. It’s Geisha-esque. This particular dram had an intoxicatingly rich butterscotch vanilla cream essence that you could smell 6 feet away from the glass. Smoke is there to add support, but is almost unnoticeable. The palate is soft and juicy, and the juiciness continues into the finish, which is wonderfully fruity and not at all drying, unlike most Scotches. To the beginner malt drinker still singing praises for the Glenlivets and Macallans, Scotches don’t stand a chance. 91.5 / 100

Ceramic Bottle....Finally polished this one off tonight after purchasing in Tokyo in 2012. Oak and dark fruits on the nose. Its one of the smoothest whiskies I've ever had, almost to a fault, but still decent complexity of oak, minimal smoke, and some extremely subtle sherry undertones. It's probably oxidized on me having been mostly-empty for several years, but still enjoyable to the last drop. Gonna miss drinking this but it's a bottle to display proudly!

There’s an immediate hit of sherry on the nose, followed by warm bread. The mouth is rich and smooth with a tingling undercurrent of peat and a spicy, caramel finish.

Bought this some time ago and finally giving it a try. This is an interesting and complex whiskey, with balanced smoke, spice and sweet. There is a slight sherry sulpher taste, but I like that. Although there are layers of flavor this is a highly accessible malt that will appeal to the more educated palate, but not over power those new to the blended malt arena. Visit our distillery website - https://www.printzhofwhiskey.com

Nice Smokey and coffee finish. Easy to drink, with some spice to it.