Nikka Whisky was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, widely regarded as the father of Japanese whisky. Taketsuru had sailed to Scotland in 1918 to study organic chemistry and immerse himself in the art of Scotch whisky production. Upon returning to Japan, he brought with him an unparalleled knowledge of distilling, which he first applied at Suntory before establishing his own company — originally named Dai Nippon Kaju Co., Ltd. — in Yoichi, Hokkaido. The first bottle of Nikka Whisky reached the Japanese market in 1940, and by 1949 it had become a firm favourite among consumers. Today, Nikka operates two renowned distilleries: Yoichi, set in the rugged, coastal landscape of Hokkaido, and Miyagikyo, nestled in a verdant valley in the Miyagi Prefecture. These contrasting environments yield distinctly different spirit profiles, giving Nikka the versatility to craft an impressive range of malts, grain whiskies, and blends. The portfolio includes celebrated expressions such as Nikka From the Barrel, a rich and complex blended whisky, alongside single malt and pure malt releases that showcase each distillery's unique character. As part of the Asahi Group, Nikka continues to be a pioneering force in Japanese whisky, earning global recognition for its craftsmanship and quality. The brand's 90th anniversary in 2024 underlines its enduring legacy as one of Japan's most iconic and respected whisky producers.