Nikka Taketsuru 12 Year Old 70cl Whisky

“My second bottle of Japanese whisky; my understanding is that the distillery from which this specific blend of cask are chosen is located in Hokkaido, the largest of the northern Japanese islands. Because of its latitude, Hokkaido shares a similar climate to Scotland, which the founder of Nikka distilleries believed was essential to producing superior whiskeys. Suntory brands, like the excellent Hibiki, are distilled on Honshu, which is the largest and most central of the Japanese Islands. The Nikka 12 Pure Malt blend is much fruiter than Hibiki 12, and has a sweeter, more round noise, with notes of vanilla and a caramelized sugars. The flavor is sweet and full, with notes of fruit and sherry, and a strong flavor of vanilla and marshmallows with delicate balance of peat which reminds me of the umami flavors in strong fermented soy sauces. However, both being Japanese whiskeys, there are many flavor notes that are similar between the two; refreshing grassy notes and milk tea, with a surprising harmony between all the flavors. I would highly recommend this bottle as one of the growing number of excellent Japanese whiskeys. ”

Ian