Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Japanese Whisky

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt offers a refined introduction to Japanese blended malts: fruit-driven, subtly smoky, and richly malty. It isn’t weighty or overly complex—but its crisp elegance, orchard-fruit character, and clean finish make it a reliable sipper, especially for those new to Japanese whisky or looking for versatility neat or in simple cocktails.

🧪 Origins & Concept

• Named in honor of Masataka Taketsuru, founder of Nikka, this is a blended malt (formerly “pure malt”) crafted from Yoichi (Hokkaido) and Miyagikyo (Sendai) distilleries. No grain whisky is used—only malt whiskies are vatted together.

• Bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof), it is a non-age-stated expression that delivers Nikka’s core style: malt-forward, fruity, and slightly smoky. 

👃 Nose (Aroma)

• Clean and bright, with fresh orchard fruits like apple and apricot, complemented by glazed fruit tart sweetness, toasted vanilla oak, and a whisper of malted barley. A trace of peat or smoke may surface when warmed. 

👅 Palate & Texture

• Smooth and approachable, offering honeyed malt richness, orchard fruit layers—including pear, starfruit, and grapefruit—and soft spice. Silky mouthfeel unfolds into flavors of caramel, biscuit, and occasional hints of citrus and gentle smoke. 

🔁 Finish

• Long and subtly lingering with notes of dark chocolate, oak spice, and mellow peat or salty mineral accents. The malt sweetness balances against a crisp drying quality. 

🌟 Highlights & Supporting Notes

• ABV: 43% (86 proof)

• Style: Fruit-forward, lightly peated blended malt

• Frequently wins top global awards (e.g. World’s Best Blended Malt in 2023) 

• Described as “well balanced, malty, fruity, and really… clean” and “sweet and light on the nose” by reviewers 

Japanese Whisky of the Year - Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible 2020
This is a blended malt named in honor of Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky. He is the first Japanese who mastered whisky-making in Scotland and produced the genuine whisky in Japan. Masataka learned that the natural resources surrounding a distillery were essential for quality whisky. Based on his thought, he selected two places, Yoichi and Miyagikyo, and built two distilleries there. Its gentle malt flavor, fruitiness and extremely well-balanced taste make it a perfect entry point into the world of Nikka.