Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malts

Nikka is the second major company competing in the Japanese whiskey market after Suntory. This Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malts whiskey is a "refined" edition of the original whiskey that is named after Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka. It was produced to pay some tribute to him. The brand Nikka made this bourbon-style blended whiskey available for purchase in the fall of 2020.

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malts is a combination of the malt whiskey that was made at Nikka's two different distilleries, Miyagikyo and Yoichi. The primary distinction between this whiskey and its predecessors lies in the increased impact of the whiskey produced in Yoichi - which imparts a touch more smokiness to the flavor, as a result of the distillery's utilization of peated barley in its production process. Also, unlike some of its counterparts, Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malts does not contain any grain whisky at all.

Furthermore, the Sherry barrel influence and fruity aromas from Miyagikyo still remain in the spirit of Nikka's goal to create a more balanced and tasty "pure mal," - just like how the company often describes its products. It seems this goal remains in place, despite the fact that Nikka no longer owns Miyagikyo. Its unique flavor and unforgettable texture have made Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malts one of the best Japanese whiskies to drink.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (from 50 reviews)

Price: $80

Buy it at: https://www.nikka.com/eng/agecheck/permission.html