This is a signature label in honor of Nikka's founder Masataka Taketsuru, the first Japanese who mastered whisky-making in Scotland and brought this expertise back to Japan. While being a disciplined craftsman, he was also a person of curiosity and open-mindedness. This is a tribute to Masataka from his successors, highlighting a perfect balance with complexity achieved by precise blending inherited from the founder.

A "pure malt" is a blend of malt whiskies from various distilleries, whereas a "single malt" is a whisky made exclusively from one distillery. A "pure malt" is also known as a "blended malt".

Taketsuru Pure Malt expression launched in 2020, with a refined formula and a new label design to represent the brand. While remaining a smooth and well-balanced blended malt, the formula further showcases an exquisite balance between elegant softness and deep complexity along with rich mouthfeel and smokiness.

Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Old Japanese Pure Malt Whisky is a marriage of single malt whiskies distilled at the Yoichi and Miyagikyo Distilleries. 

This is a signature label in honor of Nikka's founder Masataka Taketsuru, the first Japanese who mastered whisky-making in Scotland and brought this expertise back to Japan. While being a disciplined craftsman, he was also a person of curiosity and open-mindedness. This is a tribute to Masataka from his successors, highlighting a perfect balance with complexity achieved by precise blending inherited from the founder.

A "pure malt" is a blend of malt whiskies from various distilleries, whereas a "single malt" is a whisky made exclusively from one distillery. A "pure malt" is also known as a "blended malt".

Taketsuru Pure Malt expression launched in 2020, with a refined formula and a new label design to represent the brand. While remaining a smooth and well-balanced blended malt, the formula further showcases an exquisite balance between elegant softness and deep complexity along with rich mouthfeel and smokiness.

In 1895, Masataka Taketsuru, "the father of Japanese Whisky," was born in the small town of Takehara, Japan. At the time, Masataka's family owned a sake brewery, and in preparing to carry on the family trade, Masataka studied chemistry and biology at Osaka Technical High School. After graduating high school, Masataka showed more interest in whisky than in sake and in 1918, he enrolled at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, becoming the first Japanese ever to study the art of whisky-making. While in Scotland, Masataka took chemistry courses during the day while apprenticing with distilleries at night, learning to distill and blend whisky first-hand at some of Scotland's most prestigious distilleries. In 1920, Masataka returned to Japan, and within the decade, had produced the country's first single malt whisky. In 1934, Masataka moved to the town of Yoichi and opened the doors to Nikka Whisky Co. Situated approximately 35 miles west of Sapporo City, Nikka's Yoichi Distillery is encapsulated by mountains (to the east, south and west) and by the Sea of Japan (to the north), creating a unique and isolated environment for the production and maturation of single malt whisky. The clean air, humidity and access to underground water filtered through a layer of peat results in a rich and masculine malt. In 1960, as the Yoichi Distillery was reaching capacity, Masataka began searching for another suitable location in Japan to open a distillery. Following a three-year search, Masataka identified a wide forest valley at the junction of the Hirosegawa and Nikkawagawa rivers. The localized humidity from the rivers and surrounding hills, together with the quality of water from Nikkawagawa River, created the perfect location for a second distillery, which he named Miyagikyo. Nikka Taketsuru Japanese Pure Malt Whisky is a marriage of single malt whiskies distilled at the Yoichi and Miyagikyo Distilleries. Once each of the whiskies has been distilled, they are aged for an average of 10 years in various types of oak casks before being vatted together to create Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky. As a result of this vatting, Taketsuru Pure Malt has a soft, floral aroma, with notes of green fruits, papaya, lemon and brown sugar. Notes of toffee, almonds, roasted nuts, and custard appear on the palate, and are complemented by touches of nutmeg and clove. The finish is full-bodied and lush, with hints of cocoa, peat and oak. 

In 1895, Masataka Taketsuru the father of Japanese Whisky was born in the small town of Takehara, Japan. At the time, Masataka's family owned a sake brewery, and in preparing to carry on the family trade, Masataka studied chemistry and biology at Osaka Technical High School. After graduating high school, Masataka showed more interest in whisky than in sake and in 1918, he enrolled at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, becoming the first Japanese ever to study the art of whisky-making. While in Scotland, Masataka took chemistry courses during the day while apprenticing at distilleries at night, learning to distill and blend whisky first-hand at some of Scotland's most prestigious distilleries. In 1920, Masataka returned to Japan, and within the decade, had produced the country's first single malt whisky. In 1934, Masataka moved to the town of Yoichi and opened the doors to Nikka Whisky Co. In 1960, as the Yoichi Distillery was reaching capacity, Masataka began searching for another suitable location in Japan to open a second distillery. Following a three-year search, Masataka found a wide forest valley at the junction of the Hirosegawa and Nikkawagawa rivers. The localized humidity from the rivers and surrounding hills, together with the quality of water from Nikkawagawa River, created the perfect location for a second distillery, which he named Miyagikyo. Meticulously crafted at the Miyagikyo Distillery, Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky is a single malt made with 100% malted barley. Once the grains arrive at the distillery, they are milled and mashed before being distilled through copper-pot stills (sometimes called Coffey stills) that were imported from Scotland in 1963. As a result of their age and shape, the stills produce a whisky that is more flavorful and complex than modern column stills. Following distillation, the whisky is matured in traditional oak casks. Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky has an aroma of cinnamon, lemon and butterscotch, which gives way to an intoxicating palate filled with clove, coconut, orange marmalade and oak. The finish is soft, with hints of mint, grapefruit zest and potpourri.

In 1895, Masataka Taketsuru the father of Japanese Whisky was born in the small town of Takehara, Japan. At the time, Masataka's family owned a sake brewery, and in preparing to carry on the family trade, Masataka studied chemistry and biology at Osaka Technical High School. After graduating high school, Masataka showed more interest in whisky than in sake, and in 1918, he enrolled at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, becoming the first Japanese ever to study the art of whisky-making. While in Scotland, Masataka took chemistry courses during the day while apprenticing at distilleries at night, learning to distill and blend whisky first-hand at some of Scotland's most prestigious distilleries. In 1920, Masataka returned to Japan, and within the decade, had produced the country's first single malt whisky. In 1934, Masataka moved to the town of Yoichi and opened the doors to Nikka Whisky Co. In 1960, as the Yoichi Distillery was reaching capacity, Masataka began searching for another suitable location in Japan to open a second distillery. Following a three-year search, Masataka found a wide forest valley at the junction of the Hirosegawa and Nikkawagawa rivers. The localized humidity from the rivers and surrounding hills, together with the quality of water from Nikkawagawa River, created the perfect location for a second distillery, which he named Miyagikyo. This is Nikka's first ever vodka. Distilled through Nikka's signature Coffey stills, this vodka is extremely silky and smooth compared to other's in its class. This is the same traditional continuous still used to produce Nikka's famed whiskies. The vodka is crafted from corn and barley, blended meticulously and refined with white birch charcoal yielding an incredibly balanced mellow spirit. The result is a clean, refined spirit, a pure Nikka expression.

In 1895, Masataka Taketsuru the father of Japanese Whisky was born in the small town of Takehara, Japan. At the time, Masataka's family owned a sake brewery, and in preparing to carry on the family trade, Masataka studied chemistry and biology at Osaka Technical High School. Upon matriculation, however, Masataka showed more interest in whisky than in sake and in 1918, enrolled at the University of Glasgow, becoming the first Japanese ever to study the art of whisky-making. While in Scotland, Masataka took chemistry courses during the day while apprenticing with distilleries at night, learning to distill and blend whisky first-hand at some of Scotland's most prestigious distilleries. In 1920, Masataka returned to Japan, and within the decade, had produced the country's first single malt whisky. Deeming the terroir perfect for whisky production, Masataka moved to the town of Yoichi in 1934 and opened the doors to Nikka Whisky Co. Yoichi is encapsulated by mountains (to the east, south and west) and by the Sea of Japan (to the north), creating a unique and isolated environment for whisky-production. The clean air, humidity and access to underground water filtered through a layer of peat results in a rich and masculine malt. Years later, Masataka established the Miyagikyo Distillery, which is also situated in northern Japan. Surrounded by mountains and two rivers, the Miyagikyo Distillery produces a more mild and feminine whisky as compared to Yoichi. This Yoichi single malt is full of pleasant peaty notes and smokiness, resulting from the traditional direct coal-fired distillation. The whisky also has subtle briny notes imparted onto the spirit by the sea breeze during the aging process.

"In 1895, Masataka Taketsuru the father of Japanese Whisky was born in the small town of Takehara, Japan. At the time, Masataka's family owned a sake brewery, and in preparing to carry on the family trade, Masataka studied chemistry and biology at Osaka Technical High School. After graduating high school, Masataka showed more interest in whisky than in sake and in 1918, he enrolled at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, becoming the first Japanese ever to study the art of whisky-making. While in Scotland, Masataka took chemistry courses during the day while apprenticing at distilleries at night, learning to distill and blend whisky first-hand at some of Scotland's most prestigious distilleries. In 1920, Masataka returned to Japan, and within the decade, had produced the country's first single malt whisky. In 1934, Masataka moved to the town of Yoichi and opened the doors to Nikka Whisky Co. In 1960, as the Yoichi Distillery was reaching capacity, Masataka began searching for another suitable location in Japan to open a second distillery. Following a three-year search, Masataka found a wide forest valley at the junction of the Hirosegawa and Nikkawagawa rivers. The localized humidity from the rivers and surrounding hills, together with the quality of water from Nikkawagawa River, created the perfect location for a second distillery, which he named Miyagikyo. Nikka's Coffey Gin has an innate complexity achieved through the perfect harmony between 11 selected botanicals and the silky texture of Coffey distillates. The result is a beautiful spirit with bright and zesty aromas originating from four types of Japanese citrus: Yuzu, Kabosu, Amanatsu and Shequasar, complimenting the signature gin botanicals like juniper berries, angelica, coriander, lemon and orange peels. 

In 1895, Masataka Taketsuru the father of Japanese Whisky was born in the small town of Takehara, Japan. At the time, Masataka's family owned a sake brewery, and in preparing to carry on the family trade, Masataka studied chemistry and biology at Osaka Technical High School. After graduating from high school, Masataka showed more interest in whisky than sake, and in 1918, he enrolled at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, becoming the first Japanese ever to study the art of whisky-making. While in Scotland, Masataka took chemistry courses during the day while apprenticing at distilleries at night, learning to distill and blend whisky first-hand at some of Scotland's most prestigious distilleries. In 1920, Masataka returned to Japan, and within the decade, had produced the country's first single malt whisky. In 1934, Masataka moved to the town of Yoichi and opened the doors to Nikka Whisky Co. In 1960, as the Yoichi Distillery was reaching capacity, Masataka began searching for another suitable location in Japan to open a second distillery. Following a three-year search, Masataka found a wide forest valley at the junction of the Hirosegawa and Nikkawagawa rivers. The localized humidity from the rivers and surrounding hills, together with the quality of water from Nikkawagawa River, created the perfect location for a second distillery, which he named Miyagikyo. Nikka Days is a celebration of the distillery's unique position somewhere between the east and west cultures, nature and humanity, tradition and innovation, where each day represents a learning opportunity. The smooth and gentle blended whisky is lightly peated and comes from Nikka's both main distilleries. It's a combination of grain and malt spirits: Coffey Grain, Miyagikyo Malt, as well as some Coffey Malt and Yoichi Malt. 

In 1895, Masataka Taketsuru the father of Japanese Whisky was born in the small town of Takehara, Japan. At the time, Masataka's family owned a sake brewery, and in preparing to carry on the family trade, Masataka studied chemistry and biology at Osaka Technical High School. After graduating high school, Masataka showed more interest in whisky than in sake and in 1918, he enrolled at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, becoming the first Japanese ever to study the art of whisky-making. While in Scotland, Masataka took chemistry courses during the day while apprenticing at distilleries at night, learning to distill and blend whisky first-hand at some of Scotland's most prestigious distilleries. In 1920, Masataka returned to Japan, and within the decade, had produced the country's first single malt whisky. In 1934, Masataka moved to the town of Yoichi and opened the doors to Nikka Whisky Co. In 1960, as the Yoichi Distillery was reaching capacity, Masataka began searching for another suitable location in Japan to open a second distillery. Following a three-year search, Masataka found a wide forest valley at the junction of the Hirosegawa and Nikkawagawa rivers. The localized humidity from the rivers and surrounding hills, together with the quality of water from Nikkawagawa River, created the perfect location for a second distillery, which he named Miyagikyo. Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky is a whisky meticulously crafted at the Miyagikyo Distillery. Once the grains arrive at the distillery, they are milled and mashed before being distilled through copper-pot stills that were imported from Scotland in 1963. As a result of their age and shape, the stills produce a whisky that is more flavorful and complex than modern column stills. Following distillation, the whisky is matured in traditional oak casks. Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky has an aroma of tropical fruits, bananas and papaya. The aroma gives way to notes of soft vanilla, caramel, wafers and dried fruit on the palate, and leads to a finish accented by notes of citrus. The whisky earned a score of 93 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2014, which named it Japanese Whisky of the Year.

In 1895, Masataka Taketsuru the father of Japanese Whisky was born in the small town of Takehara, Japan. At the time, Masataka's family owned a sake brewery, and in preparing to carry on the family trade, Masataka studied chemistry and biology at Osaka Technical High School. After graduating high school, Masataka showed more interest in whisky than in sake and in 1918, he enrolled at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, becoming the first Japanese ever to study the art of whisky-making. While in Scotland, Masataka took chemistry courses during the day while apprenticing with distilleries at night, learning to distill and blend whisky first-hand at some of Scotland's most prestigious distilleries. In 1920, Masataka returned to Japan, and within the decade, had produced the country's first single malt whisky. In 1934, Masataka moved to the town of Yoichi and opened the doors to Nikka Whisky Co. Situated approximately 35 miles west of Sapporo City, Nikka's Yoichi Distillery is encapsulated by mountains (to the east, south and west) and by the Sea of Japan (to the north), creating a unique and isolated environment for the production and maturation of single malt whisky. The clean air, humidity and access to underground water filtered through a layer of peat results in a rich and masculine malt. In 1960, as the Yoichi Distillery was reaching capacity, Masataka began searching for another suitable location in Japan to open a distillery. Following a three-year search, Masataka identified a wide forest valley at the junction of the Hirosegawa and Nikkawagawa rivers. The localized humidity from the rivers and surrounding hills, together with the quality of water from Nikkawagawa River, created the perfect location for a second distillery, which he named Miyagikyo. Nikka Miyagikyo Japanese Single Malt Whisky is distilled and aged at the Miyagikyo Distillery, which is known for its lighter, more floral malts (as opposed to the heavier, more oily malts produced at Yoichi). Made from 100% malted barley and distilled in pot stills that are heated with steam as opposed to coal fire, Nikka Miyagikyo Japanese Single Malt Whisky is then aged in ex-sherry casks. As a result, the whisky has a delicate and modern aroma of bitter green apple, citrus zest, nougat and ginger, which leads to a palate filled with vanilla custard, nutmeg and cinnamon, along with a subtle smokiness. The finish is light and smoky, with notes of dried mango, breakfast cereal and honey.