Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt (70cl, 43%)

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt is a Japanese malt whisky blended from Yoichi sherry casks together with Miyagikyo sherry and remade casks. It is bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. It was launched in the year of the 100th anniversary of the marriage of Nikka's founder, Masataka Taketsuru, and his Scottish wife, Rita. The whisky is described as slightly peaty and salty, with fruity, floral and spicy notes, and the peat grows stronger as it opens up. The nose brings lemon, coconut, chocolate and light, salty peat, followed by cut grass and vanilla. On the palate come lemon tart, apple, pear, lilac and lily over an earthy base. The finish is honeyed and spicy, with chestnut.