Nikka – Taketsuru Pure Malt Essentials 2026 (70cl, 43%)

A blended malt from Nikka, bottled in 2026 at 43% in a 70cl bottle. It opens the Essentials series, planned as five yearly editions to 2030, when Taketsuru Pure Malt turns 30. This edition turns to the traditional direct coal firing of the stills at Yoichi. Nikka blends single malts from Yoichi and Miyagikyo to bring out the roasted notes and depth of the Yoichi malts, and adds long-aged whiskies from both distilleries dating from 2000, the year Taketsuru Pure Malt began. 20,000 bottles were made worldwide. The nose has malt, gentle roast and pastry notes with apricot jam. The palate is full and rich, with malt sweetness and peat. The finish stays sweet, with soft peat and a little dry oak.