Nikka Taketsuru is one of Japan’s most iconic whiskies, named in honor of Masataka Taketsuru, the founding father of Japanese whisky. Known for its smooth, well-balanced flavor and rich history, this pure malt whisky has captured the hearts of whisky lovers both in Japan and around the world. In this article, we’ll explore the essence of Nikka Taketsuru—its origins, unique characteristics, and why it remains a beloved choice among connoisseurs. Keep reading to discover what makes this whisky so special.
What is Nikka Taketsuru?
Nikka Taketsuru is a whisky brand named after Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky. Nikka Whisky produced this and sold by Asahi Breweries. Known as a pure malt, Taketsuru is a vatted malt whisky made by blending malt spirits from two of Nikka’s distilleries: Yoichi and Miyagikyo. The Yoichi malt is popular by its smoky aroma and bold, spicy flavor, while the Miyagikyo malt offers a more delicate, floral aroma and a lighter taste. They blend these contrasting profiles with great precision to create a well-balanced, smooth whisky that delivers the softness of a blended whisky—yet without using any grain whisky.
Nikka Taketsuru History
The history of Taketsuru whisky began after the passing of Masataka Taketsuru and saw its first release in 2000 with the debut of “Taketsuru 12 Year Old Pure Malt.” At the time, Nikka’s blended whisky, Black Nikka, was enjoying widespread popularity. In contrast to this trend, Nikka developed Taketsuru with the concept of offering a malt whisky that maintained the smooth, approachable qualities of a blended whisky, making it easy to enjoy for a wide range of drinkers. Building on the success of the initial release, Nikka followed up with the “Taketsuru 17 Year Old Pure Malt” in 2001, and later expanded the lineup with the “Taketsuru 21 Year Old Pure Malt” and the “Taketsuru 25 Year Old Pure Malt,” solidifying the brand’s reputation for refined, well-balanced whiskies.
Nikka Taketsuru’s Evaluation
All Taketsuru brands are highly regarded both at home and abroad. It is notable that the company has won many awards overseas. Nikka Taketsuru has earned widespread acclaim for its exceptional quality, both in Japan and on the international stage. From prestigious global awards to high praise from whisky enthusiasts, its reputation continues to grow
International Spirits Challenge (ISC)
Taketsuru whisky has earned high praise both in Japan and internationally, recognized for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. It has received numerous awards at prestigious global competitions, most notably the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), where Taketsuru Pure Malt won gold medals in 2014 and 2016, along with additional gold awards in 2012, 2017, 2021, and 2025. In 2019, both the Taketsuru 25 Year Old and 21 Year Old Pure Malt whiskies honored with the ISC’s newly established Double Gold Award, which ranks above the standard gold medal.
World Whisky Awards (WWA)
The brand has also seen remarkable success at the World Whisky Awards (WWA), where the Taketsuru 17 Year Old Pure Malt won the title of World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky four times. The 21 and 25 Year Old expressions also claimed the same prestigious title, further cementing Taketsuru’s global reputation. Domestically, the brand gained additional attention when its 21 and 25 Year Old whiskies served to world leaders during the Ise-Shima Summit in May 2016. With such a strong track record, Taketsuru whiskies are great choices for connoisseurs but are also famous for its excellent gifts.
Discontinuation
Taketsuru whisky experienced a surge in popularity following the NHK drama series Massan, which highlighted the story of Masataka Taketsuru and fueled a broader global boom in Japanese whisky. This rapid increase in demand led to a significant shortage of aging stock, prompting the discontinuation of Taketsuru 12 Year Pure Malt in February 2014. To fill the gap, a non-age-statement version, simply named “Taketsuru Pure Malt,” released in March of the same year.
However, the supply shortage persisted, and by the end of March 2020, Nikka forced to discontinue the aged expressions—Taketsuru 17 Year, 21 Year, and 25 Year Pure Malts. Additionally, the original design of the non-aged Taketsuru Pure Malt was also discontinued in March 2020 as part of a brand renewal effort.
The Discontinued Taketsuru 12-Year-Old: A Lost Classic
Origins and Discontinuation
The Taketsuru 12-Year-Old Pure Malt was discontinued in 2020 due to a global shortage of aged whisky stocks, a crisis exacerbated by soaring demand for Japanese whisky. This blended malt combined single malts from Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, offering a balance of peat, fruit, and oak influenced by Scotland’s whisky traditions. Priced initially at ¥4,500 (approx. $40), it became a casualty of Japan’s whisky boom and the NHK drama Massan, which popularized Taketsuru’s legacy
Flavor Profile and Legacy
The 12-Year-Old was celebrated for its approachability, featuring notes of honey, vanilla, and dried fruit with a subtle smoky finish. Its discontinuation transformed it into a collector’s item, with secondary market prices now exceeding ¥20,000 ($180) per bottle. Experts praise its sophistication, noting that its complexity rivaled older age-statement whiskies
Taketsuru 17-Year-Old: The Elusive Middle Child
Rarity and Production Challenges
The Taketsuru 17-Year-Old Pure Malt, a blend of malts aged at least 17 years, has become increasingly scarce due to Nikka’s strategic focus on non-age-statement (NAS) releases. Limited batches and rising production costs have pushed its retail price to over ¥50,000 ($450), though it rarely appears on shelves
Taste Characteristics
This expression emphasizes matured oak, dark chocolate, and sherried dried fruits, with a smoky undertone from Yoichi’s peated malts. Its velvety texture and long finish reflect Nikka’s mastery of blending, earning it accolades as one of the world’s finest blended malts
Taketsuru 21-Year-Old: The Accessible Luxury
Current Availability and Pricing
Unlike its discontinued siblings, the Taketsuru 21-Year-Old Pure Malt remains in production but is subject to strict allocation due to limited stocks. As of 2024, its price has risen by 56% to ¥12,650 ($110) per 700ml bottle, reflecting broader cost increases in raw materials and logistics
Flavor Complexity
Award-winning and critically acclaimed, the 21-Year-Old offers layers of tropical fruit, toffee, and spice, complemented by Miyagikyo’s floral malt and Yoichi’s maritime influence. The finish is remarkably smooth, with a hint of peat that lingers without overpowering
Taketsuru 25-Year-Old: The Collector’s Trophy
Exclusivity and Investment Value
The Taketsuru 25-Year-Old Pure Malt, crafted from malts aged over 25 years, is Nikka’s rarest regular release. With an original retail price of ¥70,000 ($630), it now trades at ¥300,000–500,000 ($2,700–4,500) at auction, driven by its scarcity and prestige. Only a few hundred bottles are released annually, often reserved for VIP clients
Sensory Profile
This ultra-premium whisky delivers black cherry, aged oak, and dark chocolate notes, with a velvety mouthfeel and a finish that evolves from sweetness to gentle peat smoke
. Its complexity has earned it comparisons to Scotch whiskies twice its age.
Taketsuru 35-Year-Old: The Pinnacle of Blending Art
Limited Edition Status
Released annually in batches of 1,200 bottles, the Taketsuru 35-Year-Old blends 35-year-old malt and grain whiskies, a departure from the Pure Malt series. Priced at ¥70,000 ($630) upon its 2007 debut, it now commands over ¥1,000,000 ($9,000) at auction. Each bottle features a handwritten signature by Masataka Taketsuru’s grandson, adding to its allure
Taste and Prestige
The 35-Year-Old showcases fig, tobacco, and sandalwood aromas, with a palate of stewed plums, espresso, and a whisper of smoke. Its grain whisky component (nearly 50%) lends a silky texture rarely found in ultra-aged malts.
Conclusion
Nikka Taketsuru is more than just a whisky—it’s a tribute to the legacy of Japanese craftsmanship and the pioneering spirit of Masataka Taketsuru. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or simply curious about Japan’s rich whisky culture, Taketsuru offers a smooth, refined experience that’s well worth savoring. If you ever find yourself in Japan, don’t miss the chance to pick up a bottle and enjoy a taste of this iconic whisky for yourself.
If you enjoyed learning about Nikka Taketsuru, you might also want to explore other iconic Japanese whiskies or pair it with traditional dishes like yakitori, sashimi, or grilled wagyu to elevate your tasting experience.
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