Nikka's Taketsuru Pure Malt has been a quiet constant in my whisky rotation for years now. Named after Masataka Taketsuru — the man who essentially brought Scotch whisky production to Japan after studying in Scotland in the 1920s — this bottle carries a weight of history that few NAS releases can match. The "World Blended" designation on newer bottlings signals Nikka's willingness to draw from malt stocks beyond Japan, a pragmatic move that's become increasingly common as Japanese whisky demand continues to outstrip domestic supply.
Let me be direct about what that means. This isn't a single distillery expression. Nikka is pulling from its Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries alongside sourced malt from Scotland and possibly elsewhere. Some purists bristle at this. I think it's honest — and frankly, it's what Taketsuru himself was doing in spirit, bridging Scottish technique with Japanese precision. The 43% ABV is sensible, giving the blend enough body without overwhelming what is clearly designed to be an approachable, everyday dram.
Style & Character
The Taketsuru Pure Malt sits in interesting territory. It's a blended malt — meaning no grain whisky, only malt — which gives it more substance than a standard blend while remaining lighter and more versatile than most single malts at this price point. Nikka has historically aimed for a house style that balances soft fruit character with a gentle smokiness inherited from Yoichi's pot stills, and this bottling follows that template. Expect something composed and harmonious rather than loud or challenging. It's a whisky that rewards you for paying attention but doesn't punish you if you're just having a quiet glass after work.
At £64.25, you're paying a premium over comparable Scottish blended malts — Monkey Shoulder or Naked Grouse will run you half that. But the Nikka delivers a refinement and balance that justifies the gap. Japanese whisky commands higher prices partly on reputation, yes, but the Taketsuru earns its keep through sheer drinkability and a level of craft that's evident from the first sip.
The Verdict
This is a genuinely good whisky that does exactly what it sets out to do. It bridges worlds — Japanese and Scottish, accessible and complex, everyday and special occasion. The NAS status doesn't bother me here because the blending is clearly the point, not the age statement. Nikka's team has the skill to make components sing together, and the Taketsuru Pure Malt is proof of that.
Is it the most exciting bottle on the shelf? No. But excitement isn't always what you want. Sometimes you want reliability, quality, and a dram that reminds you why you started drinking whisky in the first place. At 7.5 out of 10, the Taketsuru Pure Malt is a solid buy — particularly if you're looking to explore Japanese whisky beyond the increasingly scarce and overpriced single distillery releases.
Best Served
Try this one in a highball. I know, I know — but trust me. The Japanese have perfected the whisky highball for good reason, and the Taketsuru's balanced profile makes it ideal. Two parts quality soda to one part whisky, plenty of ice, a gentle stir. It's revelatory on a warm evening. For a more traditional approach, a splash of cool water opens it up nicely at room temperature. Keep the ice out if you're sipping neat — the 43% doesn't need taming.
