Taketsuru 17 Year Old is a pure malt, a blend of malt whiskies from Nikka's Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, aged at least 17 years and bottled at 43%. It was discontinued in 2020 and is offered here without its box.
About This Whisky
Yoichi brings smoke and weight, while Miyagikyo adds fruit and softness. The 17-year-old sits between the two in character, with plenty of age showing. It was named World's Best Blended Malt at the World Whiskies Awards four times, in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2018. Nikka withdrew the 17, 21 and 25 Year Old in March 2020 because aged stock could not keep up with demand, and moved the Taketsuru range to no age statement. Reviewers describe cedar, honey and fruit on the nose, with white pepper, dried fruit and a hint of smoke to follow.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Fresh fruit, cedarwood and honey, with a little incense.
- Palate: Rich and chewy. White pepper, dried fruit, oolong tea and butterscotch, with a hint of smoke.
- Finish: Medium to long, with rounded smoke, dark chocolate and leather.
Serving & Food
Serve neat in a tulip glass or over a single large cube of ice. Water opens the fruit a little. Yakitori, dark chocolate or a plate of dried figs all work alongside.
How to Enjoy
Drinkers who want a mature, award-winning Japanese blended malt, and anyone filling a gap in a Taketsuru line-up.
Product Details
Producer: Nikka Whisky
Expression: Taketsuru Pure Malt 17 Years Old
Country: Japan
Category: Blended malt whisky
Malts: Yoichi and Miyagikyo
Age: 17 years
Status: Discontinued 2020
ABV: 43%
Proof: 86
Volume: 700mL
Presentation: No box
About the Distillery
After Masataka and Rita Taketsuru died, their adopted son Takeshi Taketsuru, Masataka's nephew, took over. He had joined the company in 1949 and went on to expand the business a great deal.
The Taketsuru pure malts are the range that bears the family name. Since the 21 Year Old first won the title in 2007, the brand has been named World's Best Blended Malt ten times at the World Whiskies Awards.