auction lot – nikka taketsuru “pure malt” four bottles of japanese blended malt whisky, including age-statement releases a highly desirable selection of nikka taketsuru pure malt whiskies, named after masataka taketsuru, founder of nikka and pioneer of japanese whisky. these expressions are produced using malt whiskies from yoichi and miyagikyo distilleries, and are increasingly sought after following the discontinuation and reformulation of several age-statement bottlings. 1) taketsuru pure malt – no age statement (old design) producer: nikka whisky country: japan type: blended malt whisky abv: 43% bottle size: 70 cl presentation: original box description: an earlier presentation of the taketsuru pure malt, produced before the widespread discontinuation of age statements. smooth and well-balanced, with notes of orchard fruit, honey, soft peat, malt and gentle oak. a classic introduction to the taketsuru style and increasingly collectible in its original packaging. 2) taketsuru pure malt 17 years old producer: nikka whisky country: japan age: 17 years type: blended malt whisky abv: 43% bottle size: 70 cl presentation: original box description: a refined and elegant age-statement expression, combining maturity with balance. aromas of dried fruit, malt, light smoke, vanilla and polished oak lead to a long and harmonious finish. the 17-year-old taketsuru is now discontinued and highly sought after by collectors of classic japanese whisky. 3) taketsuru pure malt 21 years old producer: nikka whisky country: japan age: 21 years type: blended malt whisky abv: 43% bottle size: 70 cl presentation: original wooden box description: a flagship expression of the taketsuru range, showcasing extended ageing and exceptional depth. rich notes of dried fruit, dark chocolate, spice, incense, malt and subtle smoke. silky and complex, with a long, layered finish. widely regarded as one of the finest blended malt whiskies ever produced in japan. 4) taketsuru pure malt 35 years old producer: nikka whisky country: japan age: 35 years type: blended malt whisky abv: 43% bottle size: 70 cl presentation: original presentation case description: an extremely rare and prestigious release, representing the pinnacle of the taketsuru range. exceptionally mature and complex, with profound notes of dried fruit, old oak, leather, incense, cocoa and gentle smoke. produced in very limited quantities, this bottling is considered a museum-level collectible in japanese whisky.