Takamine Whisky Tasting Event
I first tasted this whiskey at a very large event with hundreds of others. Hands down, Takamine 17 was “The Best in Show” Join us... Thursday, May 8th, 5:30pm. Read on...
May 8, 2025
 
Takamine Tasting Event
THURSDAY May 8, 5:30.
Featuring – Rare Japanese Whiskey – Takamine 17 Y.O.
I first tasted this whiskey at a very large event with hundreds of others. Hands down, Takamine 17 was “The Best in Show”. And, judging by how quickly it became impossible to find, I wasn’t the only one who felt this way. So when by some fortune a few additional cases of Takamine 17 surfaced from the whiskey gods, I didn’t hesitate to bring in what I could to Federal.
With generations of experience as sake makers, armed with unmatched Koji fermentation expertise, the Shinozaki family began distilling shoju in 1979. After nearly twenty years honing their skills in shoju distillation, Shinozaki Distillery set their sights on creating a Koji-fermented whiskey.
Koji fermentation is a process where a special mold is sprinkled on the barley to accomplish what normally occurs during malting. Like malting, this mold produces enzymes that break down starches and proteins into sugars and amino acids, making the whiskey more flavorful.
This Koji-fermented 17-year-old whiskey is all pot-stilled barley. It is a one-time micro-batch release aged in refilled American white oak casks. It is bottled at natural cask strength, non-chill filtered with no added color and comes in at 43.5% ABV.
Tasting Notes: My recommendation is to wait a few minutes before nosing to let some of the alcohol dissipate. The palate is where things really begin to shine as notes of coconut, banana bread, dates, tobacco, vanilla, and buttery oak subtly intermingle. The mouthfeel is silky smooth and the finish is long and rewarding – for me evoking the memory of Fruity Pebbles flavored milk. Like many other whiskey’s one is rewarded as you continue to sip, and your palate adjusts.
The Bottom Line: Takamine 17 is an extraordinary whiskey that is ideal for whiskey geeks who are looking for something different and exclusive. I know I am going to pick up a second bottle!
$249.99 (only 18 bottles available)
Brand ambassador Jake Tennenbaum will present the whiskey along with three other fine Takamine whiskies.
8-Year: $95.99 Special tasting price 89.99
17-Year: $249.99 Special Tasting Price $229.99
20-Year: $299.99. Pre-order only
26-Year: $499.99. Pre-order only
David Kreiss
Discounted pricing good through Saturday, May 10.
Free delivery in Boston Metro for orders over $200.