Nikka Taketsuru

The Nikka company was set up by one of the Godfathers of Japanese Whisky, Masataka Taketsuru. Masataka was an organic chemist and was the first Japanese man to learn to make whisky in Scotland studying at Hazelburn distillery in Campbell Town. Nikka is now one of the Japanese great producers, making a range whiskies and other spirits in two distilleries, Yoichi situated in the North Island of Hokkaidō and Miyagikyo distillery in Aoba-ku, Sendai.

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt is a blended malt dedicated to the father of Japanese Whisky and Nikka’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru. He was a disciplined craftsman who was constant in his pursuit of perfection – a characteristic Nikka pursues to this day.

This whisky is a blend of malts from the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, showcasing an exquisite balance of harmony and complexity. The main influence comes from the softer malts of Miyagkikyo, balanced by integrated smoke and richness from Yoichi. The liquid is aged in ex-Sherry casks and Miyagikyo which has been aged in American oak.

The Taketsuru logo, founder’s signature and brand emblem are all present on the bottle, a nod to Nikka’s illustrious founder.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Butterscotch and vanilla toffee lead, with crunchy barley sugar notes developing in the glass. Toffee apples, peach and spiced bread notes build, with beeswax and light honey notes following. Candied lemon and orange peel hide at the back.

Palate: Honey-drizzled brown bread and freshly sliced apples lead, slowly turning darker as treacle toffee and raisins build. The freshness continues as darker notes develop, with pears and lemon peel on top and singed fruit cake underneath.

Finish: Vanilla-sugar-dusted apple slices and toffee slowly fade to reveal cinnamon toast and apple peel.