The Father of Japanese Whisky

Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka, traveled to Scotland in 1918 to learn whisky making. He returned to Japan with a Scottish wife, Rita, and a dream. He founded the Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido (1934) because its climate resembled the Scottish Highlands, and later the Miyagikyo Distillery in Sendai.

Bold and Traditional

Nikka's style is generally more robust and traditional than Suntory. The Yoichi distillery still uses direct coal-fired pot stills, a traditional method rarely used even in Scotland today, resulting in a bold, toasted flavor.

Key Lines:

• Yoichi: Peaty, salty, and masculine (Coal-fired distillation).

• Miyagikyo: Fruity, floral, and elegant (Steam distillation).

• Taketsuru: A world-famous "Pure Malt" (blended malt) named after the founder.