Spirit of the Day: Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year (Japan)

Spirit of the Day: Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year (Japan)

The Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year is a distinguished blended malt whisky produced by The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co. in Japan. It serves as a tribute to the company's founder and is widely regarded as a benchmark for Japanese whisky craftsmanship.

Producer History

The Nikka brand was established by Masataka Taketsuru, often called the father of Japanese whisky. Trained as a chemist, Masataka Taketsuru traveled to Scotland in the early 20th century to learn the art of whisky production. Upon returning to Japan with his Scottish wife, Rita Taketsuru, he founded his first distillery, Yoichi, on the island of Hokkaido in 1934. In 1969, the company expanded by opening a second distillery, Miyagikyo. Today, the company continues to produce its range of whiskies using single malts from these two historic sites.

Product History

The Taketsuru Pure Malt line was introduced in 2000 as a way to honor the founder's legacy. The 17-year-old expression is a blend of mature whiskies sourced from both the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. It is aged for a minimum of 17 years, allowing the spirit to develop deep complexity. The production process focuses on balancing the peaty, coastal character of Yoichi with the more elegant, fruity notes typical of Miyagikyo, resulting in a refined blended malt bottled at 43% ABV.

Taste Profile

Appearance: A rich, deep amber hue.

Aroma/Nose: The nose is complex and evocative, featuring distinct woody notes of incense, sandalwood, and agarwood, complemented by a subtle candle waxiness reminiscent of traditional Asian temples.

Palate: The palate is highly accessible yet deep, offering a sophisticated balance of fruit, spice, and leather notes that showcase the maturity of the blend.

Finish: A long, lingering finish that maintains the woody and spicy character established on the nose.

Overall Character: It is a beautifully complex and balanced malt that appeals to both enthusiasts and those with an educated palate.

Review

Based on independent data from Whiskybase, the Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year holds an average rating of approximately 87.5/100 across multiple releases, reflecting its high standing among global whisky critics and collectors.

Serving Guide

Glassware: Glencairn glass or heavy-bottomed tumbler | Serving temperature: Room temperature | ABV: 43%

Serving Suggestions

• Neat, to fully appreciate the complex woody and incense aromas.
• With a few drops of pure water to open up the fruity and floral notes.

Food Pairings

• Dark chocolate, as the bitterness complements the woody and spicy notes of the whisky.
• Smoked salmon, which pairs well with the subtle peaty influence from the Yoichi component.
• Grilled meats, as the depth of the malt stands up well to savory, charred flavors.