Masataka Taketsuru was born in the coastal town of Takehara (now Takehara City) about 60km from Hiroshima City. The Taketsuru family owned a ‘sake'(Japanese brew made form fermented rice) brewery that goes back to 1733 and continues to produce fine sake today. Taught early that sake making is a painstaking fine art, Masataka studied diligently and trained at university as a chemist, preparing to carry on the family trade.
However, Scotch whisky captured the young man’s imagination, as well as the interest of few other enterprising Japanese of that day. He decided to dedicate his life to whisky.
In 1920 Masataka returned to Japan with Jessie Roberta (Rita), whom he had married earlier that year. Later joining a company that aspired to make genuine whisky, he succeeded under its employment in producing Japan’s first whisky.
This Nikka from the Barrel Whisky is a beautifully blended dram from Japanese distiller Nikka. A truly remarkable blend, it won top prize in its category at the World Whisky Awards in 2007 and 2010.
The whisky is ‘married’ from a unique grain whisky and specially refined malts from the Miyagikyo and Yoichi distilleries. Nikka from the Barrel is blended between different oak casks, creating harmonious flavours and a rich, expanding aroma. This whisky creates a journey for the palate, packing a punch at first – full-bodied with notes of winter spice, toffee and caramel – followed by a warm, fruity finish with oaken notes.
The perfect balance of flavour, Nikka from the Barrel would make a wonderful gift for whisky aficionados, or a great after dinner tipple
