Whisky of the Month January : Nikka Japanese Whisky
We wish you a very happy New Year 2025 and hope it will be a fantastic year of discovering interesting drams from around the world.
For our first Whisky/Distillery of the Month feature, we have chosen the esteemed and multi-award-winning Nikka Japanese Whisky. Throughout January, all Nikka whiskies will be available at a 10% discount, allowing you to discover these reasonably priced Japanese drams at an even more affordable price.
We’ve also enlisted Eight PM Founder Ash Parmar, who has reviewed these intriguing Nikka drams on his YouTube channel.
Japanese whisky is renowned for its craftsmanship, blending traditional Scottish methods with local innovation. It often features delicate, refined flavors, with an emphasis on balance and precision. The cool, natural environment of Japan, along with high-quality ingredients, contributes to the unique character of Japanese whisky. Today, it enjoys global recognition, celebrated for its smooth texture, subtle complexity, and harmonious taste.
History of Nikka Whisky and its inspiring founder Masataka Taketsuru:
Masataka Taketsuru (1894–1979), known as the "Father of Japanese Whisky," dedicated his life to creating authentic Japanese whisky. In 1918, he studied chemistry at the University of Glasgow and learned whisky-making by visiting distilleries in Speyside and Bo'ness. He later trained at Hazelburn Distillery in Campbeltown, where he mastered blending and compiled his findings into the "Taketsuru Notes."
In 1920, he returned to Japan with his Scottish wife, Rita, and in 1934 established Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido, choosing the location for its Scottish Highlands-like climate. In 1936, he installed Japan's first pot still. After years of waiting for maturation, he released his first whisky in 1940, naming it "Nikka Whisky," from "Nippon Kaju."
Masataka Taketsuru dreamed of creating distinct malts and high-quality grain whisky in Japan, similar to Scotland. In 1962-63, supported by Asahi Breweries, he traveled to Scotland with his adopted son to acquire a Coffey still, which began operation at Nishinomiya in 1964. In 1965, he released Japan's first blended whisky with Coffey Grain.
In 1969, Taketsuru oversaw the construction of Miyagikyo Distillery in Miyagi Prefecture. This distillery produced a unique Lowland-style malt, complementing Yoichi's Highland-style malt and Coffey Grain to create a distinctive Japanese whisky, realizing Taketsuru’s dream.
After Masataka, his son Takeshi Taketsuru and skilled craftsmen upheld his commitment to quality, creating new whiskies that met consumer expectations. Today, Nikka Whisky is renowned globally, including in Scotland, where Masataka first learned the craft.
Masataka believed, "There is no trick to making good whisky; sincere respect for nature is the foundation of everything." At Nikka’s distilleries, enriched by nature, his dream continues as the whisky matures, carrying his legacy into the future.
Through years of unwavering dedication to quality, nikka whiskies have earned global recognition, garnering numerous prestigious awards.
If you need help to choose right one, do reach out to us and we will be happy to help. Also keep an eye on our Great Value Whisky Collection.
Team @Eight Pm
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