NIKKA WHISKY

Masataka Taketsuru’s Legacy: A Whisky of Innovative Spirit
Inspired by the boundless curiosity and passion of Masataka Taketsuru, TAKETSURU PURE MALT embodies a spirit of freedom in its creation.
Crafted entirely from malt, with no grain used, this whisky achieves smoothness that rivals even blended whiskies.

The Art of Blend
At its heart are key malts from two renowned distilleries: YOICHI malt, aged in sherry casks, and MIYAGIKYO malt, matured in remade casks. The result is a whisky with a smooth, lustrous texture and a vibrant, fruity aroma. The richness and sweetness of the malts create a profound depth, leaving a lingering, elegant finish.

Serving Suggestions: 

• On the rocks: First, savour it neat, rich personality and lasting aftertaste.
• With a drop of water: unveil the unique characteristics of each malt, and indulge in the mastery of blending.

Crafted by Fire, Shaped by Nature.
Fired by a dream to craft authentic whisky on Japanese soil, Masataka Taketsuru ventured to the heart of Scotland to master the craft.
Upon his return, he established the YOICHI Distillery in 1934, on the rugged coast of northern Japan, where the sea breeze and the spirit of Scotland combined to create a unique whisky.

The Bold Spirit of YOICHI.
What sets YOICHI apart is the distinctive richness and smoky aroma born from its straight-head pot stills and coal-fired distillation by 800℃. The heavily peated key malts assert their bold presence, while new oak and sherry cask malts contribute a robust body and woody barrel flavours. Yoichi is a single malt that carries the scent of peat and salt, offering a truly unique character.

YOICHI’s Land and Water: A Gift of Nature
Nestled by the sea and cradled by towering hills, Yoichi’s climate mirrors Scotland’s, with biting winters, bountiful water sources, and crisp, crystalline air. This wild, untamed landscape nurtures the hearty malts that define Yoichi’s character.
As winter’s icy grip loosens, the snow melts from the hills, feeding the Yoichi River. This burn‘s pure, untainted water plays a vital role in crafting the whisky. Slowly maturing, the malt develops a rich flavour with deep complexity and an exquisite nose.

Serving Suggestions: 

• On the rocks / twice-up: Fully appreciate its bold and distinctive character.
• Highball: Experience the richness of peat in a refreshingly vibrant way.

A Symphony of Mountain Air.
Its freshness is striking, evoking the sensation of standing by a river in the mist-drenched mountains at the cusp of summer. Depth is seamlessly woven into its lively, floral character, with a delicate harmony of fruity, floral malt enriched by sherry and new oak cask maturation, imparting layers of complexity—both light and profound. A subtle trace of peat lingers in the finish, offering a crisp, refined sharpness, while a gentle sweetness emerges, rendering this single malt both elegant and deeply satisfying.

The MIYAGIKYO Spirit: Crafted by Place.
Crafted in the lush valleys of the Tohoku region, where two crystalline streams converge amidst the early morning mist, SINGLE MALT MIYAGIKYO encapsulates the unique essence of its landscape. Positioned inland, shielded from the sea’s influence, this region enjoys a temperate climate that fosters the creation of the exquisite key malts that define MIYAGIKYO. Soft mountain water, pure and unspoiled, is used in its production, and the whisky is meticulously distilled using steam at approximately 130°C—an approach chosen by Taketsuru to refine and elevate the malt’s aroma and flavour.

Maturation in Nature’s Embrace.
The resulting spirit matures in the fresh air, surrounded by towering trees, gradually honing its signature freshness and smoothness. The use of indirect steam distillation distinguishes MIYAGIYO from YOICHI, producing a single malt with a vibrant, fruity bouquet and a clean, refreshing finish—an exceptionally refined and multifaceted whisky.

Serving Suggestions: 

• On the rocks / with a splash of water: Savour its bright, refreshing personality.
• Highball: Enjoy its clean, sharp finish with a crisp, effervescent edge.