Slainte-Mhath
Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt (New Formula)
Blended Malt — Japan
Reviewed
July 3, 2021 (edited June 21, 2023)
Nikka's new transparency rebutted the rumor that Taketsuru Pure Malt contains Ben Nevis, so this is authentic Japanese whisky. Green apples, gooseberries and honeydew melon are first to greet the nose before lemongrass, chamomile and subtle peatiness emerge. The palate showcases the flavor profiles of Miyagikyo and Yoichi, moving from a fruity-floral arrival towards a modestly peaty and gingery-dry development. Lingering oak, green tea and whiffs of smoke remain in the medium finish. I daresay that it is even better than its predecessor. Kanpai!
RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 84 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE
55.0
EUR
per
Bottle
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I was looking at a bottle of the discontinued and couldn’t make up my mind. There’s just a lot of mixed reviews on these.
Nikka Taketsuru vs Nikka From the Barrel: I reviewed both whiskies and rated them 84 and 85 points, respectively, with a slight preference for the latter. Nikka From the Barrel is the better value, however, note that it is NOT Japanese whisky based on the new Japanese whisky regulations. Nikka probably added some Ben Nevis or Scottish grain whisky to this expression. It does not make it bad whisky, but if you want to try 'the real thing' buy Nikka Taketsuru, despite its elevated price.
OLD vs NEW: I tasted the old version of Nikka Taketsuru during my visit at Yoichi distillery in 2016 and at Miyagikyo distillery in 2019. I never wrote detailed tasting notes, but I recall it to be slightly spirity and youngish, and the peated component was hard to find (there is more Yoichi in the new version). Overall, I think that the refined formula offers more complexity, while not being overtly young. I rated the new version 84 points, whereas the predecessor is a tad weaker (82 points).
Additional information: Nikka released details which of their whiskies are 'Japanese whisky' under the new regulations: https://www.nikka.com/eng/brands/taketsuru/