Taketsuru Pure Malt is a blended malt named in honor of Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky. He was the first Japanese to master whisky-making in Scotland and produce genuine whisky in Japan.

Taketsuru combines whisky from both Nikka distilleries: Yoichi and Miyagikyo. It is matured in a combination of sherry butts, bourbon barrels and new American oak. Its gentle malt flavor, fruitiness and well-balanced approachability make it a perfect entry point into the range of Nikka whiskies.

This whisky gets its distinct aroma and body from direct heating distillation, in which the pot stills are heated with finely powdered natural coal—this traditional method is hardly ever used today, even in Scotland. (from Nikka)