Friday, March 1, 2013

Taketsuru Sherry Wood Finish at Nippon Bartenders Association



The 40th NBA (Nippon Bartenders Association) "Cocktail Competition" in Osaka took place on February 24,  at the Argo Hotel in Sakai City. Emphasis on the event is pretty self explanatory - who could make the best bar cocktails. Specialists from various famed bars throughout Kansai: Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama went head to head on the day. The annual event had a total of 16 mixologists strutting their stuff and naturally competing against one another to see who would be crowned the NBA "Cocktail Champion".

Very interesting stuff, and well done to all the entrants, however, I was not there to primarily watch the cocktail action - I was there for the 30 some what stalls, brands, and makers in the adjacent room, which were exhibiting what is currently on offer and what will become on offer in the spirits world.

Besides the abundance of lustful Scotch and fancy assorted spirits there was not a lot on offer on the domestic spirit front. In fact at this NBA event, which strays away from your typical whisky festival, Nikka were the only players to show their face - with something well worth mentioning: Taketsuru 12-year-old "Sherry Wood Finish". Not completely new as this interesting  whisky debuted at the "Ginza x Taketsuru Night" in 2012. It may have made an appearance on the night but it never made it on the shelf for consumers and it is yet to do so, but this is all about to change.

According to Nikka (Asahi) brand ambassador this 43% ABV Sherry Wood expresion will be joining Nikka's portfolio permanently mid-year (2013). The reasonably interesting new expresion to the line-up, with evident (obvious) dry sherry on both the palate and nose, was finished  for roughly one year in the Sherry Cask (unfortunately I did not confirm whether it was a first or second-fill butt). The price will naturally be more expensive than the standard Taketsuru 12-year-old, however, according to the big guns it will not break the bank and most likely will have an increase of 1,000 yen. In my opinion this is justifiable and will satisfy all hardcore Nikka  fans. Stay tuned for more news to come when it presents itself.

8 comments:

  1. Merci pour l'info , vivement qu'il arrive en France car les sherry cask Suntory sont casiment introuvable en Europe et encore moin en France avec la distribution de Laurent Perrier...

    À bientô

    Émilien
    Www.caisseenois.blogspot.fr

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    1. Hi Emilien, it was suggested it would make its way to Europe, as to when and where its not known at this stage. However, from what I gathered and believe it will be readily available compared to say a Hakushu Sherry cask given that there is no small bottle limit with the Taketsuru Sherry Wood Finish. Keep your eyes out for it.
      Regards,
      Clint

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  2. Interesting Clint, the regular 12 doesn't do much for me and I'm not a big fan of cask finished whisky when the second cask is a lot different to the first especially sherry. Nikka has lots of experience with sherry casks though so should be interesting.
    Brian

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    1. I tend to think the same most of the time regarding finished casks - if it works well then it's a different story - Nikka do well with there casks and in any event this will be a good novelty for the cabinet. As you can see in the post I didn't write any details on the palate/nose of this sherry wood expression for two reasons: I was served litteraly a sip in those horrible plastic cups, therefore didn't get a lot out of it and secondly I'd prefer to dram it properly when it comes around before commenting. However, a novelty that will please all Nikka fans.
      Regards,
      Clint

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  3. Thanks for answering.
    Would you mind if I take your picture in your blog? I cross my fingers for having one of these bottles to taste this whisky. I am a big fan of sherry monsters !

    Read you soon.

    Émilien.

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    1. Hi Emilien,
      You are welcome to use the picture, if using for your blog it would be great if you give credit to Whiskies R Us. Let me know when/if you obtain a bottle.

      Regards,
      Clint

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  4. http://caisseenbois.blogspot.fr/2013/03/news-2013-taketsuru-12-ans-sherry-wood.html

    :)

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    Replies
    1. Nice post Emilien, thanks for the mention.

      Regards,
      Clint

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