Whiskey “Nikka” is the second largest producer of malt drinks in Japan after the brand “Suntory”.
The company’s assortment includes different types of whiskey: single malt and blended, young and aged, standard and high strength.
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The History of Whiskey Nikka
The inhabitants of the eastern country owe the appearance of their own malt alcohol to a man named Masataka Taketsuru. He was the first among local entrepreneurs who became interested in making adhesive tape and began the first experiments in this direction.
To master the technology of whiskey, Masataka went to Scotland in 1918, where he immersed himself in the study of chemistry at the University of Glasgow.
After completing the theoretical course, the young Japanese began to comprehend the secrets of distillation and blending in practice, working at three enterprises at once.
Masataka took up his studies with all the passion and oriental thoroughness: finely written notes filled with a detailed description of the process became the first Japanese guide to the production of whiskey.
Returning home with his Scottish wife, Taketsuru joined Kotobukiya Limited (modern Suntory), where he led a project to build the country’s first distillery.
After 10 years, being already an experienced manufacturer, the “father of Japanese whiskey” decided to build his own distillery. To found the Yoichi Distillery, the north of Japan was chosen – the village of Yoshi in Hokkaido, where Masataka found everything necessary to start production: a source of clean water, high-quality barley, peat reserves, a climate and relief similar to those of Scotland.
Initially, the company produced apple products under the Dai Nippon Kaju brand.
The first Nikka whiskey was introduced in 1940. He received the name from the abbreviation of the company name: Nippon + Kaju.
In 1949, Masataka’s nephew, Takeshi Taketsuru, joined the management of the company.
In 1952 the company was renamed The Nikka Whiskey Distilling Co. Ltd”, and in 1969 replenished its ownership with another distillery “Miyagikyo Distillery”.
In 2002, the Yoshi distillery (the first in Japan) received a certificate from the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society for the high quality of its products.
single malt whiskey
Manufacturing specifics
The production technology of Nikka whiskey is largely copied from Scottish, so Japanese drinks are very similar to scotch. Typical local features:
The presence of a special microclimate with high humidity, affecting the nature of the final product.
Distillation in cubes of different types and shapes, which allows you to get a wide range of unique spirits with original characteristics.
Aging in barrels of different types: new and old, Japanese, American, Spanish.
famous brands of whiskey
Types of whiskey Nikka
Nikka Black
The most famous and popular product of the company, recognizable by the branded label with a “bearded man”. It depicts none other than Masataka Taketsuru.
The series is sold mainly in Japan, where it is represented by several versions of the drink.
Rarely delivered to Russia and other countries.
Yoichi Single Malt
A single malt demonstrating the bold and strong character of a seaside distillery in Hokkaido.
Repeatedly became the owner of the title of “Best single malt in the world.”
Contains pleasant peaty and smoky notes, light salty accent. Fortress: 45%.
Miyagikyo Single Malt
Single malt whiskey reflecting the soft style of the second distillery located in the mountains of Sendai.
It has an elegant fruitiness and a characteristic aroma with strong sherry tones. Fortress: 45%.
Taketsuru Pure Malt
A series of balanced malt blends, including several drinks of varying degrees of exposure. General notes: ripe fruits and malt. As the bouquet ages, roundness, layering, subtle peat and oak accents appear.
The whiskey was highly acclaimed by whiskey connoisseur Jim Murray and won the title of “World’s Best Blended Malt” in 2018. Fortress: 45%.
From The Barrel
A series of exclusive blends, the spirits for which are selected by blending masters. They have increased strength (51,4%), bright taste and rich aroma.
Before bottling, the mixture is aged for several months in old barrels to harmonize the bouquet.
The Nikka 12 Years Old
First introduced in 2014, this premium whiskey comes in stylish flacons with a gold emblem and an asymmetrical kimono-like design.
The balanced blend is dominated by malt spirits, which give the drink a rich taste and a noble aroma.
The inclusion of grain components softens the bouquet and gives it tenderness. Fortress: 43%.
Super Nikka
Blended whiskey, created by the founder of the brand in 1962 in memory of his wife Rita, who supported and inspired him throughout his life.
Balanced drink has a rounded aroma, smooth texture, mild taste with delicate peat, vanilla and sherry nuances. Fortress: 43%.
Coffey Grain и Coffey Malt.
Two drinks – malt and grain – are made in cubes of a special design (“Coffey Still”). They have a rich, juicy aroma. Fortress: 45%.
whiskey cocktails
Relevance: 30.05.2019
Tags: Whiskey and bourbon, Whiskey brands, Japanese whiskey