Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt (Discontinued)

Japanese whisky tasting evening, Sydney 28 March 18, Whisky #4. Nose: Big cereal notes, sweetly fragrant and fruity, some light oak in the background. Palate: Spicy arrival, developing more spice plus considerable cereal sweetness. Chocolate, baked orchard fruits, and a sherry presence. The tiniest hint of smoke, most likely barrel char. Finish: Medium/short. Gingery spices and a light touch of chilli. Fades out sweet. Not much to say, really. Drinkable, but not notable. A vatted malt, so more body than the earlier whiskies in the tasting evening and the first one to be free of the "buzz" of grain whisky. Good in comparison to the lesser grain whiskies, but outclassed by the later malts. Above average overall, but I wouldn't bother to buy it. "Above Average" : 80/100 (3 stars)

Light sherry, honey, and slight pear, malt, and soft oak. Decent, a little thin and flat. I can see what it’s reaching towards but it doesn’t do it for me. Not available in Ontario.

3.7 Stars. I think this is underrated. It’s almost like a different line than the 12, 17, and 21. Not nearly as smooth but good in its own right. I really like the malty taste. I get a bit of honey and dried fruit in the nose and taste. I find myself thinking of it separate of it’s big brothers and find it nicely balanced.

Sweet and smooth, I’m not sure why people are knocking this. It kicks the crap out of a highland, and would be even better if only it was peated.