Review #126: Taketsuru 12yr, 40%, OB

the last one was good ...

I was so pleased by the Yoichi 10yr that I'd like to keep going with Nikka whiskies. Unfortunately, I only have a couple to choose from, but next up is this Taketsuru. Taketsuru is named after the Nikka's founder, and I believe it's blend of malts from the two Nikka distilleries. Only 40%, ugh. Why did they water this one down so much? I think they bottle everything else -- even the older and younger Taketsurus -- at higher proof. Maybe they had a good reason.

nose: apple, pears, sherry fruit, and fudge. a few crushed leaves. some malt and charred oak, too. very clear and distinct flavors. not a lot of them, but they're very nice, as if they're taken from the handbook of nice whisky flavors. patience lets some custard and lilac come out, but just a little.

palate: creamy-chocolatey pears, and lots of smoke. the smoke is a big surprise: it gives it some weight despite the low strength. Some rather herbal wood, maybe even a bit of cinnamon.

finish: not powerful but curiously long -- all the nice sweet, creamy flavors mingle with the smoke and wood.


I thought the nose was good but maybe a little boring, but it actually kept getting more interesting. It's still a little too light. I don't think it's as good as the Yoichi, but another pleasant surprise.

score: 85