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Whisky Review: Takamine Eight-Year-Old

We review Takamine Eight-Year-Old from Honkaku Spirits. It's made from barley fermented with koji, the same mold used in sake and soy sauce production.

OVERALL RATING

9
$99.00
  • Courtney Kristjana is a leading US whiskey taster and aspiring Master of Scotch.
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Takamine Whiskey

Tasting Notes

About:

40% ABV. Japanese whisky made of 100% pearled two-row barley in a koji fermentation process. Aged in new American Oak and ex-bourbon barrels. 750ml $99.
Appearance:
Light blonde
Nose:
When inhaling, I picture standing in a garden. The whiskey is herbaceous with fresh garden mint, lemon verbena, and thyme. Jasmine and baby powder linger in the background. Near the end, Werther’s Original candies come to mind. Overall, the nose has layer upon layer of aroma.
Palate:
The mouthfeel is incredibly soft and light. The taste is earthen with mushroom, grass, and umami. The whiskey has a touch of smoke amidst a small amount of vanilla. In the middle, I find lots of citrus in both peel and oil form. Sprinkled throughout the dram is a mix of pink and black peppercorns.
Finish:
Comments:
The Takamine 8-year-old koji-fermented whisky from Honkaku Spirits is one of the best Japanese whiskies I have tasted. At the price point, you really can’t go wrong with getting a bottle. The flavor is a beautiful melding of umami and delicate sweetness. The koji fermentation process really affects the whiskey’s turnout and for the better. Play with it in a Japanese whisky flight, or even a highball.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Courtney Kristjana

Courtney Kristjana is a leading whiskey taster in the United States. Inspired by an article on Heather Greene, she left her career in Gerontology to pursue her passion for whiskey. Currently studying to become a Master of Scotch, Courtney dreams of one day being nominated for the Keepers of the Quaich. Her reviews may be as strong as the peat in her scotch, but she guarantees honesty, integrity, and an open mind.

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