Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky (No Box) (750ml)Nose: Sherry soaked plums, raisins and green apple slices. Honey'd cereal, black pepper and hint of barrel char. Palate: Espresso beans, milk chocolate, tobacco leaf and lingering Sherried fruit. There's a slight touch of smoke as it develops Finish: Elegant smoke continues, with golden barley and a final hint of coffee. Overall: Superb Japanese blended malt from Nikka. A non age statement expression of Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt whisky, named after

1776 Straight Rye Whiskey comes from the James E

Aged to perfection for over 10 years on a single rack (19 barrels) in the rick house

A distinctively rich flavor comes from bottling at its original 125 barrel entry proof

It should work really well in a highball

This year's release has an ABV of 52

and a sweet burnt brown sugar note

Additionally

Bottled at 114 proof

Like a Highland peat campfire

Potpourri and heavy Oloroso sherry

There are crisp notes of mixed peels

The body takes the aforementioned notes in the unaged gin and punches them up with touches of salted caramel