Taketsuru Pure Malt
The Nikka distillery honours its founder with Taketsuru Pure Malt, a blend of various malt whiskies with no age statement, bottled at 43%.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Taketsuru Pure Malt reveals its complexity right from the first sniff. The earthy, malty base notes form a solid foundation, over which delicate floral honey aromas unfold. It is like walking through a Japanese garden in early summer, where the first peach blossoms are just beginning to release their sweetness. The floral notes are present but never intrusive, blending harmoniously into the overall picture. Particularly fascinating are the warm oak tones that lie like a warming blanket over the other aromas. They are reminiscent of well-aged wood in a traditional cooperage. A hint of bergamot adds a citrus-fresh component that lends a certain liveliness to the nosing. The nose promises complexity without being overwhelming. It invites you to return to the glass again and again to discover new nuances.
Palate
The first sip confirms what the nose already suggested: this whisky is a master of mildness. Brown sugar and vanilla dominate the flavour profile, creating a sweetness that never seems cloying or one-dimensional. The texture is remarkably round, almost creamy, and caresses the palate like velvet. But there is more hidden beneath this gentle surface. Notes of tree bark bring earthy and slightly woody accents into play, reminiscent of a walk in the woods after the rain. These oaky elements give Taketsuru Pure Malt a welcome structure and prevent it from sinking into insubstantial sweetness. The balance between sweetness and wood notes is impressively balanced. The alcohol is perfectly integrated, with no burning sensation or sharp edges. This whisky is what is known in technical terms as "smooth", as smooth and polished as a polished stone.
Finish
This is where the only real weakness of Taketsuru Pure Malt becomes apparent: the finish is short. Too short, considering how promising the nose and palate were. But what it lacks in length, it makes up for in quality. A warming sensation spreads, accompanied by subtle oak notes that echo the previous aromas. Spicy pepper provides a little surprise in the final moments, a cheeky wink at the end of an otherwise restrained performance.
🥃 We would like to give you the opportunity to participate in a private bottle sharing at cost price with this bottle.
To our bottle sharingsThoughts
Marcel 73/100
The Taketsuru Pure Malt is like a gentle stroll through a Japanese garden – pleasant, elegant, and never boring. It leaves you wanting more, even though it lacks the surprise element that truly knocks you off your feet. For a relaxed whisky evening, however, it’s definitely a safe bet.
Sascha 76/100
The Taketsuru Pure Malt impresses with its harmonious balance between sweet vanilla notes and earthy wood tones, which are very well integrated. Despite its flawless technical execution, it feels a bit too conventional and could gain depth with a longer finish. A solid, well-structured blend without any real edges or quirks.
Value for Money: Expensive
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What does 'Pure Malt' mean in Taketsuru Pure Malt?
'Pure Malt' refers to a whisky made exclusively from malted barley and blended from various malt whiskies from different distilleries or casks. In the case of Taketsuru Pure Malt, it is a blend of several Japanese malt whiskies without the addition of grain whisky.
How does the lack of an age statement (No Age Statement) affect the quality of Taketsuru Pure Malt?
The absence of an age statement means that no minimum maturation period is guaranteed. For Taketsuru Pure Malt, the selection of casks and the blender’s skill are used to achieve a balanced and complex flavor regardless of age. The result is a mild, harmonious whisky that focuses on taste rather than a specific age.
How should Taketsuru Pure Malt be best enjoyed to fully appreciate its aromas?
Taketsuru Pure Malt reveals its delicate aromas best when enjoyed neat or with a small splash of water to highlight the complexity of its floral, malty, and woody notes. A room temperature of around 18–20 °C (64–68 °F) is ideal to fully experience the balance between sweetness, oak, and spice.