Another brand from the Nikka umbrella, Taketsuru is a Japanese Pure Malt whiskey - a noticeable departure from some of their other Single Malt releases.
Overall, Taketsuru does a great job of delivering an easy sipper. That said, it’s a bit too simple, it’s thin, hotter than I’d like, and doesn’t deliver like a premium whiskey of this nature is supposed to embody.
Stingy and sharp, yet fresh and vibrant blended malt whisky. Nice job by Nikka, overall a nice whisky even though it could have been a stronger character.
The NAS version of Taketsuru Pure Malt lacks some of the balance and complexity of the 12-year-old Pure Malt; particularly its subtle smokiness. Still, if this is the price the drinking public must pay to see more of this Japanese whisky on the shelves, we’re not giving up much.
This lacks power, lacks flavor and interest factor. Unfortunately, in today’s Japanese whisky market you don’t have many other options at this price point.
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House Review
Nose:
Sweet and light on the nose featuring honey cobbler a light bit of pepper and some clove overall light on ethanol light on body and sweet and fruity
Taste:
Thin on the palate, a touch sweet once more, packed with pears, apples and plums. Light, perfume-y and aromatic. Doesn’t have a lot of body, it’s pretty one dimensional.
Finish:
Short finish, a touch hot with a bit of ethanol - more than it should have for the proof. Heavy on the apple, grain and pears once more, it’s one dimensional. There’s nothing wrong with a more straightforward pour, but the finish here leaves a bit to be desired.
Overall:
Overall, Taketsuru does a great job of delivering an easy sipper. That said, it’s a bit too simple, it’s thin, hotter than I’d like, and doesn’t deliver like a premium whiskey of this nature is supposed to embody.
Score:
75
By t8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources
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