Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky, was born into a sake producing family in Hiroshima.  Not content with making this traditional Japanese alcohol, the young Taketsuru travelled to Scotland to learn the art of whisky making. 

After studying at Glasgow University and completing apprenticeships at Longmorn, Bo’ness and Hazelburn distilleries, Taketsuru and his new, Scottish wife Rita returned to Japan with the dream of producing whisky.

The first Nikka distillery was founded in 1934 on the northernmost Island of Hokkaido in a small town called Yoichi and to this day still produces the same style of single malt – peaty, rich and salty, and still utilises direct, coal-fired stills.  In 1969 he opened a second distillery near Sendai called Miyagikyo that produces a green, grassy and herbaceous style of single malt as well as producing grain whiskies using a Coffey Still.  Both distilleries have the ability to produce many different types of spirit which adds complexity to the beautifully balanced blended whiskies that Nikka is known for.

The range of whiskies produced by Nikka has won many awards and accolades over the years.  From winning “Best of the best” at the 2001 Whisky Magazine Awards – the first ever Japanese whisky to win this award, to multiple “World’s Best Blended Malt” titles for the Taketsuru range at the World Whiskies Awards.

Nikka Whisky has become a fixture in Japan and throughout Europe, known for its passion for craftsmanship, quality and flavour. Masataka Taketsuru passed away just 10 years after the construction of Miyagikyo, at the age of 85. He forever remains the founding father of Japanese whisky, and to this day, Taketsuru’s spirit continues to live on through the Nikka blending team, whose quest for excellence in Nikka whiskies perpetuates his memory.

“The Whisky Show's new, bigger venue, meant that Nikka Whisky's larger space was an ideal opportunity to communicate to even more consumers. We are always delighted by the level of knowledge and awareness the show's attendees have about our products and look forward to seeing them again at the show this year!”

Emiko Kaji, international business development manager.

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