Whisky Review/Tasting: Nikka 17 years Taketsuru

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Japan
Type: Pure Malt (Blended Malt Whisky)
Distillation and Maturation: The whisky is a blend from two distilleries, Yoishi and Miyagiko, which were the first built by Matsataka Takezuru upon his return to Japan. It is aged for 17 years and has a notable influence from sherry casks.
Age Statement: 17 years
Color: Old Gold with copper highlights
Clarity: Not explicitly mentioned, but the whisky is colored.
Bottle Design: The bottle and label design incorporate historical elements, paying homage to Matsataka Takezuru and his wife, Rita. It has a 43% ABV and uses a non-cork closure to avoid cork taste.

Nose: Spicy and delicate with notes of yellow plum, peach, chocolate, leather, dried tobacco leaf, dried fruit (apricot, figs).
Palate: Rich and generous, reminiscent of preserved fruit (orange, morello cherries), creamy, with toffee, mocha, and hazelnut flavors.
Finish: Long, with aftertastes of praline, charred wood, cica smoke, anise seed, and citrus. It presents fine herbal notes, adding to its freshness and elegance.

Matsataka Takezuru, born in 1894 into a sake-producing family, is considered the father of Japanese whisky. After studying in Scotland and marrying Rita Cohen, he returned to Japan to fulfill his dream of creating a malt distillery, leading to the establishment of the Yoishi and Miyagiko distilleries.
Rita Takezuru, born Jesse Roberta Cohen, played a significant role in supporting her husband's dream and became a beloved figure in Japan.

The Nikka 17 Years Taketsuru not only represents a significant chapter in the history of Japanese whisky but also embodies the cultural exchange between Japan and Scotland, highlighted by the life and work of Matsataka Takezuru and his Scottish wife, Rita.

"With this bottle, you receive a lot of Japanese history in terms of whiskey."
"A wonderful bottle... but I'm afraid it is colored a little green so the color of the whiskey is not that real."
"Wonderful complex... Pleasant. No bitterness."

The Nikka 17 Years Taketsuru is a pure malt whisky that blends spirits from the Yoishi and Miyagiko distilleries, aged for 17 years.
It offers a rich and complex flavor profile with a blend of spicy, fruity, and creamy notes, influenced significantly by sherry casks.
The whisky pays homage to Matsataka Takezuru, a pivotal figure in the history of Japanese whisky, and his wife, Rita, highlighting their contributions and the cultural bridge between Japan and Scotland.
The review emphasizes the historical significance of the whisky, its complex flavor profile, and the unique story of its founders.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a deep appreciation for the history and craftsmanship behind whisky production will find the Nikka 17 Years Taketsuru particularly appealing.
Collectors: Given its rarity and historical significance, this whisky is a must-have for collectors, especially those interested in Japanese whisky.
Beginners with a Higher Budget: Newcomers to whisky willing to invest in a more premium bottle will find this a rewarding and complex introduction to aged whiskies.
Fans of Sherry Influenced Whiskies: Individuals who enjoy the rich, fruity, and creamy profile typical of sherry cask-aged whiskies will likely enjoy the Nikka 17 Years Taketsuru.