Nikka - Whisky from the Barrel

Nikka Whisky Distilling Company is a Japanese producer founded by Masataka Taketsuru, who is regarded as the father of Japanese whisky.

Taketsuru was the son of a sake brewer, and after studying chemistry at university he trained at several Scottish distilleries before returning to Japan in 1920 with his Scottish wife, Rita. After working for the company that would become Suntory and making the first Japanese whisky, he struck out on his own, setting up the Yoichi distillery and the Nikka parent company.

Nikka produces a range of blended whiskies and several single malts from single malts from the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. The Taketsuru Pure Malt (a blended malt) is one of the distillery's most famous products, along with the From The Barrel blend, and a Grain whisky.

The company also owns separate distilleries for making Shochu and facilities for making cider brandy and apple wine. In 2001, Nikka was purchased by Asahi Breweries.