Nikka Taketsuru 12 Year Pure Malt

Aroma - Light honeyed pears and white donut peaches (subtle), hint of fresh hay, background of fresh longan, very subtle floral. Complex, quite nice. Taste - A honey cereal-like sweetness, faint, very light gentle smokiness from the peated Yoichi component, hint of black pepper spiciness, diluted dried longan black tea. Finish - Sweetness fades fairly quickly, but leaves a taste of a drying longan black tea sweetness with a faint tail end of black pepper, pear, and floral honey. 89/100

Tried this side by side with the 12, the 12 had more sherry cask influence, the old NAS had more bourbon cask influence. Nose: Raisins, Sakura, Hazlenuts, Dark Chocolate, Smoke, Strawberries, Gingerbread, Cranberries, Mocha, Plums Palate: Dark Chocolate, Toffee, Burnt Honey, Smoke, Plums, Espresso, Dates, Grapefruit, Vanilla, Ginger, Barbecue Glazed Ham, Almonds Finish: Walnuts, Seville Oranges, Mocha, Brown Sugar, Coconuts, Raisins, Toasted Vanilla, Prunes, Burnt Honey

For those familiar with Japanese malts like Yamazaki or Hibiki, this offering presents a distinct departure. It lacks peatiness but carries a trace of smoke, akin to charcoal. The scent is subtle, yet the taste is robust, featuring floral and charcoal notes. The conclusion is rather brief. Given its cost, it's a decent choice and notably different from other Japanese selections.

It has herbal notes and a touch of fruit, leaning heavily into the herbal. There's a slight sweetness and an oily texture, with malt and perhaps a hint of sherry. However, the Yoichi component is unmistakable, bringing its signature funk. The finish isn't particularly memorable. It's quite agreeable, and Nikka is far more accessible than any of the Suntory offerings. I'd recommend giving it a go.

The aroma is of honey and pear. The palate is smoky and slightly sweet, with a pleasant, extended finish featuring charcoal, coffee, and campfire smoke. For me, the peat in this whiskey is perfectly balanced, providing a noticeable smokiness without overpowering the other flavors.

Acquired from an artisan shop in Oakland and sampled before the coffey. It's excellent! Smooth on the nose and initial palate, then it develops. I'm thoroughly enjoying it. It certainly belongs in the company of my Glenlivet and Glenfiddich.