Nikka Tsuru (70cl, 43%)

Nikka Tsuru is a Japanese blended whisky first released in 1976, bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. It is a blend of malts from the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries with grain whisky, and carries no age statement. The original 1976 blend used malts of 15 to 20 years old, and the whisky is linked to Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka. Yoichi, in Hokkaido, supplies robust, peaty malt, while Miyagikyo in Miyagi Prefecture contributes softer, fruitier malt. It is described as fruity and floral, with apple, pear and citrus, subtle smoke and a touch of spice, on a smooth, velvety texture. The finish is elegant and lingering.