Taketsuru 17 yo, 43%

Introduction

Taketsuru 17 Year Old is a prestigious blended malt whisky from Nikka, named after Masataka Taketsuru, the visionary who founded Nikka and brought Scotch whisky traditions to Japan after studying in Scotland in the early 20th century.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Selected malted barley from Scotland and Japan, combined with pure Japanese mountain water sources.
• Distillation process: Carefully distilled at Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, each with distinctive pot still designs that influence the final character.
• Maturation: Aged for 17 years in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels and some sherry casks, providing complexity and depth.
• Special techniques: Master blending of whiskies from the coastal Yoichi distillery (known for peated, robust character) and the inland Miyagikyo distillery (known for its elegant, fruity profile).

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich honey, toffee, and dried fruits with hints of oak spice, gentle peat smoke, and delicate floral notes.
• Palate: Velvety texture with layers of caramel, vanilla, ripe apples, and toasted oak, balanced by subtle smoke, nutmeg, and a touch of dark chocolate.
• Finish: Long and warming with lingering spices, dried fruits, and a refined smoky character that fades gracefully with hints of oak and sweet malt.

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Slightly cool, around 15-18°C (59-64°F).
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the delicate aromas.
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat to appreciate its complexity, though a few drops of water can help open up additional flavor nuances.
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate, dried fruit and nut selections, or subtle seafood dishes like sashimi that won’t overpower the whisky’s nuanced character.

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 43% ABV
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Japan
• Certifications/Awards: World Whiskies Awards Gold Medal, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 95/100 points, San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal.

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Taketsuru 17 Year Old represents the pinnacle of Japanese blending artistry, with its perfect harmony between Yoichi’s robust character and Miyagikyo’s elegant fruitiness creating a whisky of extraordinary balance.

As Nikka has discontinued this legendary expression, bottles of Taketsuru 17 have become increasingly rare and highly coveted among collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.

Celebrated master blenders and whisky critics consistently rank this expression among the finest examples of Japanese whisky craftsmanship, cementing its reputation as a benchmark for premium blended malts.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whisky enthusiasts and experts alike have awarded Taketsuru 17 numerous prestigious accolades, including multiple gold medals at international competitions that affirm its exceptional quality.

Many loyal admirers of this expression have committed to preserving bottles in their collections, understanding that each dram represents a piece of Japanese whisky heritage that cannot be replicated.

The consistent praise from industry publications and experts highlights not just its remarkable taste profile but its historical significance in showcasing Japan’s unique contribution to world whisky.

From Nikka’s Legacy to You

With each bottle of Taketsuru 17, Nikka shares not just a premium whisky but the culmination of nearly a century of whisky-making tradition that began when Masataka Taketsuru brought his Scottish knowledge back to Japan.

The approachable yet complex character of this whisky reflects the Japanese philosophy of harmony and balance, creating an instantly appealing experience for both newcomers and veteran whisky admirers.

By experiencing Taketsuru 17, you join a global community of whisky enthusiasts who appreciate this distinctive expression of Japanese craftsmanship – secure your bottle today to partake in this remarkable whisky legacy.