Masataka Taketsuru, a renowned figure in the world of whisky, made significant contributions to the industry through his founding of Nikka Whisky. Born in 1894 in Hiroshima, Japan, Taketsuru developed a deep passion for whisky at a young age and dedicated his life to mastering the art of Scotch whisky production.
Taketsuru's journey began with his pursuit of knowledge in Scotland, where he studied organic chemistry at the University of Glasgow. During his time in Scotland, he also immersed himself in the whisky industry, working at various distilleries to gain practical experience and understanding of the whisky-making process. This experience played a pivotal role in shaping his approach to whisky production and laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
Upon returning to Japan in 1920, Taketsuru joined Yamazaki Distillery, which was owned by the Kotobukiya Company (now known as Suntory). He played a crucial role in establishing the distillery and was instrumental in introducing the concept of malt whisky production to Japan. Taketsuru's expertise and dedication to his craft allowed him to create a unique style of whisky that showcased the marriage of Japanese and Scottish whisky-making traditions.
However, Taketsuru's ambitions extended beyond his role at Yamazaki Distillery, and he yearned to create his own whisky brand. In 1934, he founded Nikka Whisky and built the first distillery in Yoichi, Hokkaido, where he believed the climate and natural resources closely resembled those of Scotland. This decision was driven by Taketsuru's desire to replicate the Scottish whisky-making process as closely as possible, ensuring the authenticity and quality of his whisky.
The Yoichi distillery became the heart of Nikka Whisky, producing a range of single malt whiskies that embodied the rich, peaty flavors reminiscent of Scottish Highland whiskies. Taketsuru's attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship enabled him to create exceptional whiskies that garnered international recognition and acclaim.
In 1969, Nikka Whisky expanded its operations with the establishment of a second malt whisky distillery in Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Northern Honshu. This expansion allowed Nikka to further diversify its portfolio and cater to a wider range of flavor profiles and preferences.
Throughout his career, Taketsuru's commitment to quality and his unwavering pursuit of perfection set him apart as a visionary in the whisky industry. His dedication to preserving traditional whisky-making techniques while incorporating his own unique perspective revolutionized the Japanese whisky landscape. Today, Nikka Whisky continues to honor Taketsuru's legacy by producing exceptional whiskies that embody his passion and expertise.
Personal Experience: As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of experiencing the artistry of Nikka Whisky firsthand. The depth of flavors and complexity found in their single malt whiskies is truly remarkable. Each sip takes me on a journey, evoking memories of the Scottish Highlands while showcasing the distinct character of Japanese whisky-making. It is evident that Masataka Taketsuru's legacy lives on through the exceptional whiskies produced by Nikka.