History: Carrying Forward the Founder's Legacy
While studying in Scotland, Masataka Taketsuru learned that while single malts have strong personalities, only blending could create a whisky that is truly well-rounded, complex, and lingering. This belief led him to establish the powerful Yoichi distillery first, followed later by the softer Miyagikyo distillery.
The Taketsuru brand was born from this philosophy. It does not aim to highlight a single distillery's character but rather to honor the founder's pursuit of 'the beauty of balance'. By blending different years and cask types from both distilleries, Taketsuru achieves a complexity that transcends any single location. Want to learn more about this legend? Read our feature: Whisky Brands You Need to Know! A Guide to Scotch and Japanese Whisky Brands.
Knowledge: What is Pure Malt?
Many consumers confuse 'Single Malt' with 'Pure Malt'. Taketsuru falls into the latter category, which is now commonly referred to as 'Blended Malt' in Scotland.
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Ingredients: Made using 100% malted barley with zero grain whisky. This preserves the rich aroma and heavy mouthfeel characteristic of malt whisky.
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Source: The malt comes from 'two or more' distilleries. For Taketsuru, it is the marriage of Yoichi and Miyagikyo, giving the blender a broader palette to create a flavor spectrum impossible for a single distillery to reach.
Craftsmanship: The Marriage of Strength and Grace
The secret to the Taketsuru flavor lies in how it harnesses two distinct personalities:
1. The Masculinity of Yoichi
From the north, Yoichi uses traditional 'direct coal-fired distillation', giving the spirit a powerful body, rich oils, and signature peaty smoke. In the Taketsuru blend, Yoichi acts as the 'backbone', providing strength and depth.
2. The Femininity of Miyagikyo
From the mountains of Sendai, Miyagikyo uses 'indirect steam heating' and large onion-shaped stills to craft a soft spirit with floral, fruity notes and Sherry cask sweetness. In the blend, Miyagikyo acts as the 'flesh', providing elegance and silkiness. For details on the distilleries, see: Unlocking the Secrets of Nikka's Yoichi Distillery.
Recommended Rare Taketsuru Expressions
Due to stock shortages, aged Taketsuru expressions are rare and have frequently won World Whiskies Awards (WWA):
Taketsuru 17 Year Old — A World Champion Regular
A multiple winner of 'World's Best Blended Malt' at the WWA. After 17 years, the smoke becomes mellow, blending perfectly with dried fruits, vanilla, and cigar box notes from Sherry casks. It is a masterpiece of the range.
→ Shop Taketsuru 17YO
Taketsuru 21 Year Old — The Peak of Maturity
Stepping beyond the 17, the 21 Year Old shows ultimate aging. Rich tropical fruits, old oak, dark chocolate, and a coffee-tinged finish intertwine. It proves the incredible potential of long-aged Japanese whisky.
→ Shop Taketsuru 21YO
Taketsuru 12 Year Old — A Classic Memory
Though discontinued years ago, this classic remains a favorite for its high malt ratio, fruitiness, and moderate smoke. It is the perfect entry point to the brand's style.
→ Shop Taketsuru 12YO
Taketsuru 25 Year Old — The Ultimate Grail
The apex of the series. Only the oldest and most perfect casks from Yoichi and Miyagikyo are selected. It offers extreme floral elegance, deep sherry sweetness, and a hint of mysterious oriental incense. Extremely rare.
→ Shop Taketsuru 25YO
Note: The 17, 21, and 25-year-old expressions were discontinued in March 2020 due to shortages. Stock is extremely limited.
Alcohol Please sources the rare Taketsuru range for you. Experience the blending philosophy of the Father of Japanese Whisky. Explore more from Nikka at our Nikka Whisky Section or return to the Japanese Whisky Overview. Learn more about the founder on Wikipedia: Masataka Taketsuru.
