Nikka Taketsuru 25 Year Old Pure Malt

This Pure Malt consists of whisky that has matured for at least 25 years, from both Yoichi and Miyagikyo, the two distilleries that were founded by Masetaka Taketsuru. Their 25 Year Old is a rare beast, though. It was released in 212 for the first time and only 120 bottles found their way to Europe.

The nose is tropical to say the least. All kinds of fruit from sunny regions, mostly mango and passion fruit. Quite some orange marmalade, pipe tobacco and the scent of a mouldy wine cellar with fungus on the walls. After a few moments I also get some hearty broth. A touch of woodsmoke and some peat in the background. Wonderful! This nose is brilliant.

Boy, this is silky soft upon arrival, but quite spicy. Cardemom, cinnamon and black pepper precede a basket of tropical fruit. Those of the nose are joined by overripe plums and mildly bitter oranges. A dry touch from chamomile that stood too long. Luckily the tannins are under control and it is mostly the influence of the sherry casks that draw your attention.

The finish is actually fairly short, but with a fresh minty side before the sweet fruit has the final say.

What a wonderful whisky indeed. It would probably have blown me completely away at 50%. A bottle does gobble up 800 EUR from your whisky budget – if you can find a bottle that is. Ouch!

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