The Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old is a true tribute to Masataka Taketsuru, the founding father of Japanese whisky. As the passionate visionary behind Nikka Whisky, Taketsuru-san’s dedication to creating exceptional whisky not only kickstarted, but has also had an enduring impact on the Japanese whisky industry. 

This expression, the beating heart of Nikka's esteemed Taketsuru range, reflects his legacy and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Launched to widespread acclaim, the 21-year-old is a masterpiece of maturity, offering the perfect balance of complexity, richness, and elegance.

Taketsuru 21 is a blend of carefully selected malt whiskies, aged for at least 21 years in a combination of American oak, sherry, and Japanese Mizunara oak casks. The use of Mizunara oak imparts the whisky with a distinctive oriental spice and a touch of sandalwood, while the sherry casks contribute dark fruit notes and a subtle sweetness. The American oak, known for its ability to provide vanilla and caramel characteristics, adds depth and richness to the whisky's profile. The aging process takes place at Nikka's Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, where the climate, with its cool, moist conditions, is perfect for long maturation. This allows the whisky to develop a complexity and smoothness that few can match. 

The Taketsuru 21 Year Old sits as one of the finest expressions within Nikka’s portfolio, celebrated for its depth of flavour and refined elegance. It’s a whisky that speaks to the art of blending and aging, and its long-established acclaim makes it a coveted bottle for whisky connoisseurs and collectors alike. 

Tasting Notes

On the Nose

Deep and complex, with dark fruit, cocoa, and roasted nuts, complemented by a soft Mizunara oak spice.

On the Palate

Silky and full-bodied, revealing layers of raisins, toffee, and black cherries, with a touch of cinnamon and clove.

The Finish

Long and elegant, with lingering dark chocolate, oak, and a whisper of smoke.

About Taketsuru

Taketsuru, a whisky born from the vision and dedication of Masataka Taketsuru, the founding father of Japanese whisky, is a tribute to the artistry of blending. Established in 1934, it represents a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, crafted at both the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. 

Named after the man whose journey from Scotland to Japan forever changed the whisky landscape, Taketsuru embodies the delicate balance of nature, time, and craftsmanship. A symphony of aged malts and grain whiskies, it offers a complex yet refined profile—notes of dried fruit, gentle spice, and whispering oak—capturing the very essence of its maker’s spirit. A true masterclass in blending, Taketsuru is an enduring symbol of the legacy that continues to shape Japanese whisky today.