The location
Nikka is a Japanese whisky brand. While the headquarters of the company are located in Yoichi in Hokkaido, the production plants are distributed throughout various regions of Japan, including Honshū, Kantō, Tōhoku and Hokkaido. The two distilleries each create their own distinct character, which is why they are perfect for the creation of interesting blended whiskies.
The history of Nikka
Nikka’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru, came from a traditional sake family which had been in business since 1733. Originally, Taketsuru was supposed to maintain this tradition, however, he soon noticed that he was more inspired by Scotch whisky than by any other alcoholic drink. When he had the chance to visit Glasgow in 1918 to study chemistry, he didn’t hesitate.
His first apprenticeship at a traditional Scottish distillery started in 1919 in the Longmorn Distillery at the Speyside. Two more apprenticeships followed – one at James Calder in Bo’Ness where he learned to produce Coffey Grain Whisky, and one at the Hazelburn Distillery in Cambeltown where he studied the techniques of traditional malt whisky production as well as the art of blending.
In 1920, Taketsuru came back to Japan with his newly gained knowledge. He was hired by Kotobukiya, today known under the name Suntory, to lead the construction of the first Japanese whisky distillery. Five years after the completion of the Yamazaki distillery, the first Japanese whisky with the name Shirofura was released.
His wife Rita, who Taketsuru had met and married in Scotland, inspired him to finally build his own distillery in Hokkaido. This was the first Yoichi distillery that was completely built after the Scottish model. In 1936, the Yoichi distillery began with the production of whisky and in 1952, the company was finally renamed Nikka.
The distillery’s success led to the construction of a second distillery named Miyagikyo in Honshū. Unlike Yoichi which was close to the coast, Miyagikyo was built in a valley, surrounded by woods and peaceful nature. The area is especially known for its pure air and clean water, which are reflected in the quality and the aroma of the whisky.
After Taketsuru’s death in 1979, the company was taken over by Takeshi Taketsuru, the couple’s adopted son. Takeshi not only expanded the company, he also decided to release plenty of new, exciting whiskies.
Today, Nikka is owned by Asahi Beer, a Japanese brewery that is located in the Tokyo prefecture.
Nikka Whisky at Gustero
Nikka is not just one of the most popular Japanese whisky brands, it is also one of the best whisky brands in the world. That’s why it was important to us to offer a large selection of Nikka whiskies in our shop. Try, for example, the classic Yoichi Single Malt, which is made after the Scotch whisky model. Or try one of the various pure malts from the Nikka assortment! If you’re looking for a special bottle, make sure to take a closer look at the Nikka from the Barrel. This whisky not only convinces with its stylish square bottle but also with its complex and solid flavour.
