Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt is a vatted malt — a combination of single malt whiskies from both Nikka distilleries, Yoichi in Hokkaido and Miyagikyo in Sendai, married in a combination of sherry butts, bourbon barrels, and new American oak to produce a whisky that balances the peated, coal-fired character of Yoichi with the lighter, fruitier character of Miyagikyo into a gentle, harmonious whole.

Named after Masataka Taketsuru — the founder of Nikka and the father of Japanese whisky — the Pure Malt is an expression of his belief that the interplay between Nikka’s two distilleries, with their deliberately contrasting production styles, produces a complexity that neither distillery alone can achieve. Yoichi’s directness and smoke provide structure and depth; Miyagikyo’s elegance and fruit provide lightness and finesse. The three-cask maturation in sherry butts, bourbon barrels, and new American oak adds the dried fruit sweetness, vanilla, and warm spice that complete the expression.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Dried fruit, vanilla, honey, and a hint of smoke — the two distilleries in balance
• Palate: Smooth and gently complex — malt, fruit, subtle oak, and the lightest touch of peat from the Yoichi component
• Finish: Long, gentle, and slightly sweet

Specs

• Producer: Nikka Whisky, Japan
• Style: Pure Malt (Vatted Malt) Japanese Whisky
• Distilleries: Yoichi (Hokkaido) + Miyagikyo (Sendai)
• Casks: Sherry butts, bourbon barrels, and new American oak
• ABV: 43% (86 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pure malt whisky?

A pure malt (also called vatted malt) is a blend of single malt whiskies from different distilleries — no grain whisky is included. Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt blends only malt whisky from Yoichi and Miyagikyo. Unlike standard blended whisky, there is no grain whisky component to lighten the body.