Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky: Old vs New Review

[@TheCultureCave]

Did you know I was shortlisted for the female lead NHK role of Massan in 2013? :D Lovely to see you covering this part of history where Japan and Scotland meet!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

That is incredible! Thanks for sharing that story!

[@yayuwang3024]

This is an incredible review. Nothing on KZbin even comes close. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Thank you for watching and commenting. What motivating words! If you're not, please subscribe and share these videos with all your drinks-loving friends.

[@jimm8799]

Love the backstories you give. My second time to watch this one. I still have an unopened bottle of the 12 that I will open for some occasion not too far in the future.

[@whatsthepoint170]

Your whiskey reviews are the best on KZbin with great education and facts about history and drink itself. Keep making great content!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Thank you for your kind words! Please consider supporting Kanpai Planet at buymeacoff.ee/kanpaiplanet Kanpai! 🥃🥃🥃

[@benw4637]

Insightful review and great honesty on the recommendations at the end. I tried the new Taketsuru at a Nikka tasting night here in the UK - I liked its youthful energy. From this review I now understand why (I ended up a Miyagikyo fan that evening). One day I hope to find the old Takesturu but it may have all gone before I can make it to Japan again 😢. I also valued your practical (condescension-free!) demonstration of tasting techniques and precise vocabulary. I’m enjoying the channel. Thank you for your efforts and please keep up the good work! Kanpai.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Thank you for detailed comment Ben. You've managed to capture everything I was trying to achieve with my video, and indeed the channel. My goal is to demystify, democratise and help you discover the world of Japanese drinks. You clearly get it, and I truly appreciate that. If I find a stash of reasonably priced Old Taketsuru, I'll save a bottle for you for when you get here again! P.S> Please get all your friends to watch too!

[@alexcruz271]

Bought an old Taketsuru and a 21-year old in Osaka back in 2015 for Y10,000. With all the “if you can still find it” comments on YT, I don’t think I will open them soon. I opened a Miyagikyo instead, which is about USD80 in Manila. Thanks for your review!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

I completely empathise! Especially the 21! I put Miyagikyo head-to-head with Yoichi here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpq8g6dvf7WFZrM Please consider supporting Kanpai Planet at buymeacoff.ee/kanpaiplanet Kanpai!

[@NoNonsenseWhisky]

Sound review skills there Mac! So much in here that I didn't know about (including that they even had a new one?!)

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Keeping up with global whisky scene is a lost cause right now. Let's split is East - West and together we might have a chance! 🤓

[@seenskeme]

LUV the details in your videos!!! Keep them coming! I'm learning a lot!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Thanks a lot sir! Please share these videos with all your friends and help us grow this incredible community!

[@Paul_Martin_The_Japanese_Sword]

Awesome, yet again taken it up another level!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Thanks Paul. As always that means a lot coming from you.

[@cliffnorman178]

A really great comparison review. Thanks for this.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Thank YOU for watching and your motivating comment!

[@TheDaaruTV]

Hey Mac just love the way how you do your review . Alot to learn from you :)

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Bro! I was LITERALLY about to watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJO3Z6qriaqJeqc when I saw your comment! Thanks so much for what you wrote - it means a lot coming from a legend like you.

[@jaime_hi-meh_not_jay-mee7095]

I'm glad I found your channel. I had the chance to get the old bottling, and I did.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Top work! Enjoy, and Kanpai!

[@saphanapatterson934]

Another great video. So informative. Keep them coming!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Thank you! Comments like this from people like you mean I will, indeed, keep them coming. As I say on my other channel Maction Planet, we continue...

[@JeffWhisky]

Great quality review Mac, full of information while still being engaging. I grabbed a bottle of the old version for £45 on sale after being really impressed with a sample and adoring Nikka Whisky from the Barrel. Looking forward to watching more! Cheers and ecfc!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Good purchase Jeff! I endorse all purchases of the old version for under 50GBP! UTC!

[@ethanatorism]

I did actually get the chance to try the older version of the Taketsuru at a restaurant, and absolutely loved it. However, I could only find the newer bottling, which I decided to purchase. I did notice a significant difference in taste between the older and newer versions of the Taketsuru, so I'm glad it wasn't just placebo. I'd love to find one of the older bottles, but in the US it's quite difficult to find a Taketsuru at all

[@KanpaiPlanet]

It's difficult to find Taketsuru here in Japan too! 246,000 bottles a year of the new stuff, but you can't find it in shelves, and if you do it's usually at a mark up. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Audioholik1]

great vid mac! i got the old version some years back. glad i took a 6cl sample, think im gonna try it soon. maybe ill do a little nikka flight ;) edit: nice that you also 'compare' the prices over the world. great job!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Thank you! Let's hope Suntory and Nikka are watching!

[@headyhawaii]

Fantastic review!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Thank you very much. Please subscribe for more, and share these videos with all your friends!

[@japandistilled627]

Local shop in Fukuoka would only sell the new Taketsuru in a 2 pack with buyer's choice of Yoichi or Miyagikyo NAS for about ¥7000. Seemed like a reasonable deal.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

That is a good deal considering the RRP of the two combined is ¥8000 pre-tax

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

A objective, fair balanced review of the old and young. Most would be tempted to say the old one has all the complexity and age, where as the new one shows its young age and is two dimensional. You are more open minded than that. As great video.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Thank you Reb.

[@stuarts4781]

Taketsuru and Yoichi are definitely my favourite Nikka whiskies - sadly have never had a chance try any of the age statements versions - would need a time machine for that!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

The same time machine I introduced at the start of this?: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3i1oJ1miL2Zqrc

[@MrDonkeyface2]

How about whisky blend and vend machines that take user input and blend something suitable on the spot.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

That feels like something that should have been invented already! I suspect that companies want to maintain the mystique of the blending process so are not invested in bringing it to market... which means we have the perfect business opportunity!

[@MrDonkeyface2]

@@KanpaiPlanet The customer can easily iterate, adjusting the blend parameters to get something they like that matches their budget, before being able to get a whole bottle. Such innovation is sure to be incredibly popular.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

I think it's a great idea. Budget could determine the age of the whiskies that go in. Seems like something that we'll see in the next 5 years!

[@MrDonkeyface2]

@@KanpaiPlanet All it needs is a Japanese whisky producer that needs to make a splash.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

There are enough new distilleries opening right now for that to happen!

[@MrAM4D3U5]

I just found a bottle of the black label older version in my basement and decided to break the seal on it to enjoy it, thanks for the advice :) 🙏

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Enjoy, and Kanpai!

[@Pew7070]

Letting you know your efforts are well appreciated! Kampai! 🥃

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Arigato! Video can be hard work, so comments like your are always appreciated. Kanpai! 🥃🥃🥃

[@imalazysod777]

Hello. You have a great knowledge of whisky! I will go to your bar when COVID is under control.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Thank you very much for your kind comment! Please visit Aloha Whisky whenever you can - you will be guaranteed a warm welcome from David and his team. Please subscribe, and share our videos with all your friends!

[@trizvanov]

Just had the new release one and did not notice any peat at all with this one. Definitely very crisp and spicy though.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

It is crisper for sure! Hope you enjoyed the dram and the video. Thanks for commenting. Kanpai!

[@trizvanov]

@@KanpaiPlanet I've also just tried the old release and while differences are extremely subtle, I found it slightly on a "heavier" side. Difficult to tell which one I'd prefer to be honest.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

You're spot on. I enjoy them both, but as you know from the video I prefer one to the other. Kanpai!

[@robinmiller1989]

if you had served me the first iteration in a blind taste test I would guess it was a cognac before whisky. My pallette isn't the most refined, but the taste is bold, fruity, smooth, and only in the swallow did i recognize the familiar whisky taste. i was fortunate to have picked up an older bottle for a good price today, and it's delicious 😋

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Really interesting observations Robin. It's very rare to find the former iteration at a decent price so good work! Enjoy the rest of the bottle. Kanpai!

[@robinmiller1989]

@@KanpaiPlanet I found the label interesting while perusing the shelves. It was 67$ US and I was wanting something new for the bar. didn't realize what it was until I got home and found your video while looking into reviews. Perhaps it's that I live in a city just large enough that they would stock such a thing, but not so bohemian that it would fly off the shelves quickly. I'm hoping to go back tomorrow and pick up another as a collector's item. Apologies for the long comment, and thanks for replying initially. first time discovering your videos and I'm enjoying them immensely. cheers!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Thanks Robin! Long comments are the best. Please keep leaving them. Glad you're enjoying the content. I'd love you to check the series currently running on Kanpai Planet, Making Sake on Sado: kzbin.info/aero/PLVVZAmQLmYxewV8kG6x75GglDA6y52PSD

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

Thanks for this review, Mac, and what an impressive selection this bar has (of the little I see) ! Yeah problem with the "old" Taketsuru nas is also batch variations...(& head to head I prefer the 12 yo), more recent ones seem to be a bit poorer imho, and more E150a marked...That said it is a good introductory to Japanese whiskies I think...I confirm the new one is around twice the old one's price in France maybe less than in UK as the main/almost exclusive importer for EU is French, if not mistaken (LaMDW) , but your description doesn't seem to be putting me off to try it, then to buy it, I'm not sure, but I like the idea of more YOICHI influence in it...I'll let you know if I try it/buy it. Nice insight into the brand's history too....I have to add there have been other expressions of the NIKKA Taketsuru blended malt they call "Pure malt" (even a 40 yo, ok sorry not in that range, but on the blended whisky one) and at Whisky Live Paris, we had the chance to try others in 2014 for the 80th Anniversary of the NIKKA company, including no less than 3 different versions of the 21 yo ! (all good, btw). Alas their price wasn't exactly cheap (so I couldn't buy me one), but not as crazy as say since 2016...Kanpaï !

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Hi Greg. Insightful comments as always. Batch variations with the old Taketsuru were driven by aged whisky supply shortages, so I suspect there were a few unofficial reformulations. LaMdW do have the Nikka EU contract. As for 3 different 21 yo, that makes 2014 sound like heaven compared to 2021! Kanpai!

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

@@KanpaiPlanet Thanks (I mistaked about the 40 yo & corrected my post, mind you, it was a blended whisky, not a blended malt, I double checked). You can see pictures & details about those three 21 yo 2014 releases (in addition to those 3 there was also an "Apple Brandy Rita 30 yo", btw) on my website (just tape "Whisky Live Paris" & then 2014...Yes this way an ideal year & I also got to spoke to Tadashi Sakuma, that time's chief blender, which was a real privilege...I retried afterwards at a collector friend who bought it on my advise my favorite of the limited releases, the Madeira cask finish & it confirmed for me to be a great whisky (others were a Port cask finish & one just called "Non chill filtered"). Forgot to say how the Taketsuru 25 yo was out of this world, a masterpiece !

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Love that post on your website. The Taketsuru 25 is (was) a phenomenal whisky. I was lucky enough to be treated to a dram of it in December at a fancy hotel in Tokyo and I savoured every molecule!

[@GregsWhiskyGuide]

@@KanpaiPlanet Thanks, and its sober yet elegant packaging (bottle) is so elegant & Japanese, right...Well if we survive someday this crisis & me got enough money to travel far (another question) I place a wish to go to that Aloha bar together and savour a few drams from the "good old days" !

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Looking forward to it already my friend!

[@Themilkmanskid.]

Could you please let me know if you can taste any bourbon in either please? Bourbon from a cask is my enemy that can really kill a nice malted barley whisky in my opinion. Thank you very much and this is another really great review!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Thanks for watching. I don't taste bourbon in these, so I think you would enjoy them. They are a blend of Yoichi - which you enjoy - and Miyagikyo whiskies.. Kanpai!

[@Themilkmanskid.]

@@KanpaiPlanet I tried the Taketsuru (newer one) at a tasting yesterday and you are right. The experience was simple for me: malted barley distillate and wood and very very enjoyable! Didn't detect any ex-bourbon or ex-sherry influence, so it didn't seem like a blend of the two for me, which doesn't matter. The Taketsuru delivers big time! I love it! Thanks again for reviewing!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Glad to hear it! If you can, try to hunt down a dram of the older one! Please consider supporting Kanpai Planet a buymeacoffee.com/kanpaiplanet Kanpai 🥃🥃🥃

[@garchtoto]

Awesome content and great review!! Keep up thw good work! I bought a bottle of the old Taketsuru a few years back while visiting Japan and I really enjoyed it. Are there any other whiskys that are similar to the old Taketsuru that you can recommend?

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Hmmm... that's a good question. Not similar in taste profile, but of your substitutes at a similar price point at Nikka, of similar quality level, ID recommend Nikka From The Barrel and Single Malt Miyagikyo. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@garchtoto]

@@KanpaiPlanet thank you for the recommendations! Will need to keep an eye out for those two!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Anytime! Good luck finding them!

[@pulseclean2002]

Hi Mac, I enjoyed watching this review of old and new 竹鶴， I’m a little curious about whether the old version would have met the new Japanese Whisky Standards ? Could it be the reason why they switched formula and labelling ? Thank you and best regards .

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Hey! Thank you for your comment. I wondered about that too. I believe that the old version did meet the new Japanese whisky standards. The question would be whether they blended any Ben Nevis into it and I think the answer is no. The reformulation probably occurred in order to make the blend younger as the former version probably had an average age of around 10 years, and Nikka need to conserve their aged whisky!

[@Rocket33r]

I think I can get this for about 70 pounds here in the UK currently, and as you said that really makes you consider what else you could get for that much. I'd rather buy se bottles on my next visit to Japan.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Couldn't agree more. Good luck finding it Japan. Despite this over 250,000/year production, it's pretty elusive! Thanks for watching and commenting. Please share the video and subscribe for more!

[@zedman8720]

Thanks Mac for the insights into the mysteries of Japanese Whisky. Your knowledge is priceless. I have been looking for the Taketsuru Pure Malt and found a store that has the Black label version here in Australia. Are all the black label versions the older version? Is there a way I can tell from codes on the bottle if it is a pre 2020 release? Do these older releases have spirit that is more than 3 years old? Any help in this would be appreciated. Cheers.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Hey! Thanks for your kind words. All the Black labels are the previous iteration. The age of the spirit is undisclosed, but the average age is older than 3 years. Hope that helps!

[@zedman8720]

@@KanpaiPlanet thanks Mac it helped a lot. The shop has 6 bottles of this expression . I will now absolutely get some extra bottles to have especially as it was only $120aud. I also purchased the Miyagikyo and Yoichi expressions after your great videos. Thanks again.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Kanpai! Let me know what you think of them!

[@zedman8720]

@@KanpaiPlanet I will indeed. Thanks again for your introduction to a new branch of whisky appreciation for me . I’m looking forward to the new discoveries.

[@KanpaiPlanet]

My absolute pleasure! Thank YOU for watching and commenting. Please help me out by sharing these videos far and wide!

[@Pew7070]

I just bought the new Taketsuru and it’s quite good. I’m not crazy about it but at least it qualifies as real Japanese whisky. Now I have to send the hounds to find a bottle of the old one. 😋😁

[@KanpaiPlanet]

It's well worth it if you can find one. The new one is nice, but the old is *CHEF'S KISS*

[@paullaviera4747]

How old is this

[@KanpaiPlanet]

The bottles are NAS - No Age Statements. The ages of both are undisclosed. Thanks for watching Paul!

[@コルネホアルマンド]

Still haven’t found one 😂😂

[@KanpaiPlanet]

264,000 bottles a year and no one can find one! Japanese whisky in a nutshell!

[@CocoKoi321]

I DRANK THE REST OF MINE AND MISS IT HOPEFULLY I CAN FIND ANOTHER SAME PRICE OR UNDER 60$😭

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Good luck! It's certainly a good one if you can get it at a decent price!

[@CocoKoi321]

@@KanpaiPlanet CAN YOU PLEASE ALSO START GIVING RECOMMENDATIONS OF SIMILAR SCOTCHES TO THESE?:( it's hard as hell to find any beloved Japanese whiskeys so can you point out similar ones to taste identical, even if I found one of my favourites, I'd be scared to run it dry and never catch it again Can you please make that part of your videos? To point out recommendations of identical tasting whiskeys

[@CocoKoi321]

I liked the first pure malt, never got the second, which scotch would you say it identical and worth checking out? When I tasted it, I thought it was like Roses hint of chocolate, and cheerios, and a slight honeyed finish, I bet my senses NOW from half a year ago would be much better tho

[@KanpaiPlanet]

There are times I have compared the whiskies to Scotches they remind me of - for example, in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpq8g6dvf7WFZrM. I don't think it will become a part of every video, but where I think it's relevant, I'll mention something. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@djscottdog1]

Amazing back story but just like how most of the ideas for Japanese whisky came from Scotland so two much of whisky bottled as Japanese comes from Scotland. I wont respect Japanese whisky till they fix the rules. The paper anounced in 2021 is more of a pledge rather than a real standard so brands may just ignore it

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Thanks DJ Scottdog. I made a video on the new standards which you might like to watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX7EopSNmNyml68. You are right, they are currently just 'suggestions', but they are a step in the right direction!

[@carlmartinlinder]

Interesting comparison David. i have to buy the new one and compare myself. BTW Curiosity Public made a video on this as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2mmgIN8h9mUZrc Taketsuru is my favorite NAS Japanese and only slightly inferior to the 17-year

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Hi Martin. Great to hear you're a Taketsuru fan and that you enjoyed the video. I didn't see Curiosity Public's video - thanks for the heads up. Definitely try to track down a bottle of the new Taketsuru - I think a head-to-head comparison is a great exercise for any whisky fan!

[@carlmartinlinder]

@@KanpaiPlanet Hello again David. Yes, getting it won't be a problem Amazon.co.jp has it but at a whooping 7.300 JPY. I think I saw this in a liquor store the other day for less than 5000. Just as a side note, I found a 12-year Hakushu in a store in Matsuyama last week for 8800 JPY 😊

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Wow! Hakushu 12 at RRP! おめでとうございます‼️ I'm still looking. No luck in Tokyo. SoE doesn't help.

[@carlmartinlinder]

@@KanpaiPlanet Hi again David! no, you are right, in tokyo it is hard to make any bargins but I found a place in Yokohama (where I live) that sell second hand bottles and I found an old Tomatin 18-year for 5000 JPY. It is lovely 😎

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Ooooh! That sounds lovely. Great, great find! I recently tried some Japan-exclusive Tomatins bottled for Seibu Sogo! You can check them out here: instagram.com/p/CMRS-JML33W/. BTW, Twitter is the best place to keep up with Kanpai Planet between videos. twitter.com/kanpaiplanet All the best. Mac (not David, I'm not sure who that is 🤓)