Taketsuru Pure Malt
竹鶴 ピュアモルト
About
Named after Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru, this is a vatted (blended) malt combining whiskies from Yoichi and Miyagikyo. The NAS version replaced the acclaimed 12, 17, and 21 year old expressions.
Where to Buy
Tasting Notes
Soft fruit, apple, pear, honey, and a delicate wisp of smoke.
Balanced and fruity with orchard fruits, malt, vanilla, and gentle oak. Medium body with a smooth texture.
Clean and medium length with fruit, malt, and a gentle warmth.
What People Are Saying
Japanese Amazon shoppers give this 4.3/5 stars. Reviews emphasize smooth drinkability with subtle smoke and fruit. Popular choice for highballs and daily enjoyment at accessible pricing.
「スムーズな飲みやすさ、控えめなスモークとフルーツ。ハイボールと日常使いに人気」
The Taketsuru Pure Malt NAS is appreciated as a solid, well priced blended malt combining Nikka's Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. Reddit reviewers describe it as having "gentle and savory meaty peat" with "light and balanced" character and a "creamy, thick, and rich" mouthfeel. Some find it "middle of the road" but most consider that a strength rather than a weakness. Excellent value in Japan at around ¥4,400. The community respects it as an everyday drinker that showcases Nikka's blending skill without breaking the bank.
Classic Nikka blend scores 81.5/100 across 892 Whiskybase reviews. Known for balanced complexity combining Yoichi's peat with Miyagikyo's elegance. Strong value proposition for everyday drinking.
Community opinions collected from public forums and review sites. These are not our own ratings.
How to Enjoy
neat, rocks, highball