Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt is the signature expression of Nikka Whisky — a tribute to Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky, who became the first Japanese person to master whisky-making in Scotland before returning to Japan to build one of the country’s greatest distilling legacies. Relaunched in 2020 with a refined formula and new label design, Taketsuru Pure Malt is a blended malt whisky — a marriage of malt whiskies from multiple distilleries — that achieves an exquisite balance between elegant softness and deep complexity, with a rich mouthfeel and a touch of smokiness that reflects Masataka’s Scottish training. Smooth, well-balanced, and deeply expressive of the Nikka house style — a whisky of curiosity, open-mindedness, and precise blending, just like the man it honours.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Warm, inviting amber — the rich, luminous colour of a blended malt whisky crafted from the finest malt whiskies across the Nikka portfolio, with the depth and warmth that precise blending and careful maturation deliver.
Aroma
Elegant and expressive — the refined 2020 formula showcases a beautiful balance of soft, gentle sweetness and deeper, more complex notes. A touch of smokiness adds intrigue and depth, with the signature Nikka house character of richness and harmony present throughout.
Palate
Smooth and well-balanced with a rich mouthfeel — the exquisite balance between elegant softness and deep complexity that defines the Taketsuru Pure Malt. The smokiness weaves through the palate with precision and restraint, complementing rather than dominating the rich, layered malt character.
Pairs With
Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt is best enjoyed neat or with a drop of water to reveal its full complexity — equally rewarding in a Highball, and a natural companion for grilled salmon, sushi, aged cheeses, and dark chocolate.
