Prices
- The Whisky Station · 700ml
Usually $899.00$799.00In stockLowest priceView at The Whisky Station - Kent Street Cellars · 700ml$899.99In stockView at Kent Street Cellars
- Nick's Wine Merchants · 700ml$799.00Sold outView at Nick's Wine Merchants
- Uptown Liquor · 700ml
Usually $899.99$799.99Sold outView at Uptown Liquor - Old Richmond Cellars · Size not listed$970.00Sold outView at Old Richmond Cellars
- The Whisky Company · 700ml$999.00Sold outView at The Whisky Company
Prices and stock come from each retailer's website. Check with the store before you buy.
More from this distillery: All Nikka whiskies and prices
About
What it is
A 17 year old blended malt from Nikka's two malt distilleries, bottled at 43%. Nikka announced in 2019 that it was retiring the 17, 21 and 25 year Taketsuru expressions, and the range was replaced by a no age statement white label in 2020.
Where it comes from
Yoichi and Miyagikyo were always the stated components. The Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association standard came into force in 2021, after this was discontinued, so it was never formally assessed. Nikka is notoriously tight-lipped about blend composition, and it has owned Ben Nevis in Scotland since 1989. The honest position is that nobody published a full composition at the time and nobody will now.
How it's made
The whole point of Taketsuru is the marriage of two opposite distilleries: Yoichi's heavy, peated, coal-fired spirit against Miyagikyo's light and fruity steam-distilled make. At 17 years the sherry influence Nikka favours had time to work properly, which is why this one has the reputation it does. Cask breakdown was never disclosed.
What to expect
Rich and layered, with dried fruit, nuts and a soft peat note running underneath. It needs air. A common note on older Nikkas is that they open up considerably after a few minutes in the glass, which is worth knowing if your first sip reads as muted and waxy.
How it compares
Against the current Taketsuru Pure Malt, the 17 has more depth and more sherry, and the NAS version is fresher and more Yoichi-driven. Against the 21, the 17 was always the better value of the two and the one drinkers rather than collectors bought. Prices now bear no relationship to what Nikka charged.
