Nikka Whisky "Pure Malt" Taketsuru Blended Whisky
(Japan) [WA 92, #15 Top 100 Of 2021]

About Nikka: 
The founder of Nikka and the father of Japanese whisky, Masataka Taketsuru, received his training in Scotland while under contract for another company. Taketsuru founded Nikka in 1934 with the establishment of the Yoichi Distillery on the island of Hokkaido. Taketsuru's early successes prompted the development of a second distillery in 1969, this time built on the island of Honshu in the foothills of the Miyagi prefecture, two hours north of Tokyo.

About the Whisky:

This is a blended malt named in honor of Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky. He is the first Japanese who mastered whisky-making in Scotland and produced the genuine whisky in Japan. Masataka learned that the natural resources surrounding a distillery were essential for quality whisky. Based on his thought, he selected two places, Yoichi and Miyagikyo, and built two distilleries there. Its gentle malt flavor, fruitiness and extremely well-balanced taste make it a perfect entry point into the world of Nikka.

• DISTILLERY: A blend of peated and unpeated malts that includes a portion of sherry cask-aged whiskies from both Yoichi & Miyagikyo.
• AGEING: Matured in a combination of sherry butts, bourbon barrels and new American oak
• HISTORY: Named after Masataka Taketsuru, who is considered to be the father of Japanese whisky
• TASTING NOTES: Gentle malt flavor, fruitiness and well-balanced approachability make it a perfect entry point to Japanese whisky
• ABV: 43%

Awards/Reviews:

Gold - Intl Spirits Challenge 2022

94 Points - Whisky Advocate #15 Of 2021

"Nikka’s signature bottling honors founder Masataka Taketsuru, who brought his whisky making skills back from Scotland to Japan in 1920. Taketsuru’s successors have reformulated this blended malt, which fully complies with the latest definitions of Japanese whisky. The aromas create an oasis of calm with layers of gentle wood spices, smoke, vanilla pod, and lemon biscuits, while the palate carries a distinctive waxy sappiness that revels in luscious flavors of star fruit, lemon, Asian pear, peach syrup, and aromatic spice."

Best Japanese Blended Malt Whisky - World Whisky Awards 2016

93 points - Top 100 Spirits Wine Enthusiast 2016

"The luxe aroma mixes rich butterscotch and apple sweetness. On the palate, this whisky is light and gentle, interspersing fruit and smoke and finishing with a spark of cinnamon heat. Add a splash of water; recommended for sipping."