Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old Japanese Whisky – A Pure Malt Masterpiece

From the very soul of Japan’s whisky heritage comes a blend that defines legacy—Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old Japanese Whisky. Named in honor of Masataka Taketsuru, the founding father of Japanese whisky, this expression is a powerful tribute to craftsmanship, tradition, and time. It brings together malt whiskies from Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries in a blend that has captured the admiration of collectors and connoisseurs around the world.

Carefully matured for 21 years, this pure malt (or blended malt) expression from Nikka is a rare balance of old-world complexity and distinctly Japanese finesse. Each drop carries the soul of Japanese whisky-making, with layers of flavor that unfold slowly and elegantly—much like a traditional Noh performance.

Having been awarded the World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky multiple times, this whisky stands among the greatest in the world—not only for its flavor but for thestory it tells of one man’s quest to bring Scottish techniques to Japan and elevate them with local spirit and culture.

nikka taketsuru – Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Deep amber, shimmering with copper undertones and a warm, golden glow.
• Nose: Rich and inviting—dried figs, prunes, sherry-soaked raisins, sweet vanilla, and a soft touch of oak spice.
• Palate: Luxuriously smooth with dark toffee, bitter chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, and hints of orange peel. Mid-palate develops into subtle smokiness and light tannins.
• Finish: Long and complex, with lingering warmth, mature oak, and a delicate interplay between fruit, spice, and earthy malt.

 Awards & Recognition:

• World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky – World Whiskies Awards (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014)
• Best Japanese Blended Malt 21+ – Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible
•  Multiple Gold Medals at International Spirits Challenge

These honors affirm Nikka Taketsuru 21 as one of the most celebrated Japanese whiskies ever bottled.

 Heritage & Craftsmanship:

Masataka Taketsuru studied the art of whisky-making in Scotland in the early 20th century. Upon returning to Japan, he pioneered the country’s first authentic whiskies by founding Nikka Whisky in 1934. His legacy lives on in this 21-year-old blend—a combination of malt whiskies exclusively from his two iconic distilleries:

• Yoichi (coastal, peated influence)
• Miyagikyo (elegant, fruity, and floral)

Together, they create a whisky that reflects both the Scottish tradition and Japanese artistry, striking a flawless balance of power and finesse.

 Product Details:

Attribute	Details
Brand	Nikka Whisky
Region	Japan
Distilleries	Yoichi & Miyagikyo
Category	Blended Malt (Pure Malt)
Bottler	Distillery Bottling
Bottling Series	Taketsuru Pure Malt
Bottled	2010
Stated Age	21 Years
Strength	43% ABV
Size	750 ml
Barcode	4904230104568
Whiskybase ID	WB157798
Packaging	Gift box included
Label Marking	“21” displayed on the left side

Pairing Suggestions:

To elevate your Nikka Taketsuru 21 experience, try it with:

• Aged gouda or Parmigiano Reggiano
• Dark chocolate truffles
• Roasted duck with plum glaze
• Seared foie gras with fig compote
• Browse Japanese Blended Malts

Dive deeper into Taketsuru’s legacy at Nikka Whisky’s official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What makes Nikka Taketsuru 21 different from other Nikka whiskies?
A: Unlike younger expressions, the 21-year-old blend features longer-matured Yoichi and Miyagikyo malts, giving it deeper complexity, a richer body, and refined smokiness.

Q2: Is Taketsuru 21 Year a collectible whisky?
A: Yes! Due to limited production, age statement rarity, and critical acclaim, it’s one of the most collectible Japanese whiskies on the market.

Q3: What is the best way to enjoy Nikka Taketsuru 21?
A: Sip it neat or with a drop of spring water to fully appreciate the layers of flavor and its luxurious mouthfeel.

Q4: Why is it called a “Pure Malt”?
A: “Pure Malt” (also called Blended Malt) refers to a blend of only malt whiskies from different distilleries—in this case, Yoichi and Miyagikyo—without any grain whisky.

Q5: Is this whisky still in production?
A: No, Nikka has discontinued the age-statement Taketsuru line, making this 21-year-old bottle increasingly rare and sought after.