Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt is a non-age-statement blended malt expression from The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co. Japanese call blended a.k.a vatted malts as pure malts. So named after the company’s founder Masataka Taketsuru, this blended malt is called Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt.
Eye: 14K gold. Very thin rims and droplet legs.
Nose: Very Scotchy - malt is bright and just a touch sweet. If I had to guess, the nose indicates Golden Promise barley. Yellow plums, candied kumquats, no proof heat.
Palate: Yuzu custard, tons of malt - almost beer-like, like this was distilled from a nice drinkable beer. Malt sweetness is tampered by the citrus then comes around again. Mouthfeel is silky, light-to-medium bodied, opens up sultanas and creamy oak and a slight effervescence.
Finish: Fruity - apricots, figs, only a touch drier, velvety and still effervescent.