Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt (New Formula)

Sydney Whisky Show May 20th 2023. Whisky #22 Nose: Very fruity with apple, green melon, white peach and white grape immediately apparent. There is a zesty, fresh citrus note as well with a grassy, herbal quality (more lemongrass than lemon zest) and some gentle smoke. Nicely balanced and with a drop of water it becomes more fragrant. Palate: Mildly smoky floral fruit in the arrival, transitioning to deeper malt and fruit flavours (peaches poached in sauternes) and finally becoming dry and gently spicy (cinnamon, ginger) towards the finish. Light but creamy texture. Finish: Medium. Fruit flavours trailing into demure smoky tannin. A very pleasant NAS whisky. The last time I tasted this it was the old formula (in a bottle with a dark label) about 5 years ago, and while I thought it was OK I was not wowed by it. The new blend apparently has more Yoichi and that is certainly borne out by a tasting, but it seems to have more presence and depth all over. Not that it is a particularly complex whisky, but it does what it does very well and I think this new expression is an improvement over the old one. “Good” : 83/100 (3.5 stars)