Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old Pure Malt Japanese Whisky

Product Description

Taketsuru 21 Year: Nikka's Most Decorated Pure Malt

Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Pure Malt was the pride of Masataka Taketsuru himself, the founder of Nikka Whisky widely credited as the father of Japanese whisky. Taketsuru trained in Scotland before returning home to build Japan's whisky industry from the ground up, and this Pure Malt series stands as the company's lasting tribute to him. Among its age-stated releases, the 21 Year sits at the top, one of Nikka's oldest and most celebrated expressions.

How Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Is Made

This whisky is a blend of single malts from both of Nikka's distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagikyo, matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry barrels for a minimum of 21 years. The heavier presence of sherry-aged malt in this particular blend gives it a richer, more layered character than its younger siblings in the Taketsuru range, adding genuine depth without losing the balance the series is known for. It's bottled at 43% ABV, and was voted the World's Best Blended Malt in 2010.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Plenty of oak influence with notes of prunes and soy sauce, layered with cocoa, espresso, caramel, and a touch of anise.

Palate: Dark sherry sweetness with figs, black pepper, warm spices, ground ginger, mixed peel, and hints of marmalade.

Finish: Long, with a well-balanced oaky grip and lingering spice.

Food Pairings

The cocoa and espresso character in Taketsuru 21 Year pairs beautifully with a dark chocolate torte, dried figs, or a spiced fruitcake. Its warm ginger and marmalade notes also complement aged Gouda or a good cigar.

Serving Suggestions

Taketsuru 21 Year is best enjoyed neat in a tulip-shaped glass, giving its layered sherry, spice, and oak character room to fully unfold. This is a whisky built for a quiet, unhurried pour rather than mixing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Masataka Taketsuru? The founder of Nikka Whisky, trained in Scotland, and widely regarded as the father of Japanese whisky.

Which distilleries contribute to this blend? Yoichi and Miyagikyo, Nikka's two whisky distilleries.

What proof is this whisky? 43% ABV (86 proof).

Has this whisky won any awards? Yes, it was voted World's Best Blended Malt in 2010.

Explore More

Looking for more from this legendary Japanese whisky house? Shop the full Nikka collection for Yoichi, Miyagikyo, and other Taketsuru expressions, or browse our complete Japanese Whiskey collection for more from Japan's top distilleries.

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