Nikka Whisky Launches Taketsuru Pure Malt Essentials

ANNOUNCING: TAKETSURU PURE MALT ESSENTIALS

Nikka Whisky Launches Annual Limited-Edition Series Celebrating Founder & Father of Japanese Whisky, Masataka Taketsuru, and the Creation of Taketsuru Pure Malt

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, September 25, 2026 – With the original introduction of Taketsuru Pure Malt in 2000, Nikka Whisky sought to showcase the exquisite balance achieved by skillful blending inherited from founder, Masataka Taketsuru, who is widely considered the Father of Japanese Whisky. Today, Nikka celebrates the creation of Taketsuru Pure Malt with the release of Taketsuru Pure Malt Essentials 2026 (43% ABV, 700ml, $249.99 SRP), the first release in a limited-edition annual series that takes a deep dive into the essence of Taketsuru Pure Malt by exploring a distinctive theme each year. The Taketsuru Pure Malt Essentials limited-edition series will be released annually through 2030 leading up to the 30th anniversary of the Taketsuru Pure Malt brand in 2030.

While keeping the beauty of balance that defines Taketsuru Pure Malt – an expression defined by the blending of single malts from both Nikka’s original Yoichi distillery, which was built in 1934, and the Miyagikyo Distillery built in 1969 – each of the upcoming limited-edition releases will showcase its own distinct character. The inaugural Essentials release will highlight Nikka’s birthplace, the Yoichi Distillery, located on the island of Hokkaido and spotlights the direct coal-fired distillation method that is conducted at Yoichi. This bottling embraces the round, rich maltiness, expressive maturity, and depth of the peaty notes and smokiness with a sweet yet slightly bitter finish. The 43% ABV, consistent with the original Taketsuru Pure Malt expression, further enhances the extra character from the Yoichi malt whiskies.

The 2026 edition also incorporates whisky batches from both Yoichi Distillery and Miyagikyo Distillery distilled in 2000, when Taketsuru Pure Malt was first introduced. These whisky batches are extremely rare because the company was facing significant market changes in the market and had to drastically scale down, even almost freeze, the productions at that time.

“Taketsuru Pure Malt is the most emblematic expression of Nikka – the blending of both Yoichi and Miyagikyo single malts, creating an expressive balance of the two distillery’s styles and the exceptional skills of the Nikka blenders,” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky Education, Global PR Leader. “This is the whisky that truly tells the story of Nikka’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru, and his vision of whisky produced in Japan.”

Tasting Notes: Taketsuru Pure Malt Essentials 2026

$249.99 SRP, 1,200 bottles available nationwide

Aroma: Malty and gently toasty, showing subtle notes of baked cookies; sweet-tart nuances reminiscent of apricot jam and a calm, well-matured oak presence come together in quiet harmony

Palate: Full-bodied and rich; the natural sweetness of malt is seamlessly integrated with the depth of peat, revealing a layered palate with quiet complexity

Finish: Pleasant and lingering; malt sweetness continues gently, accompanied by soft peat notes and a subtle, slightly bitter oak nuance, before calmly fading away

Each limited edition from this Essential series will come with a unique label aligned to each theme. To reflect its Yoichi-focused identity, the 2026 edition is dominated by the Yoichi Single Malt’s signature color, a traditional Japanese indigo blue.

Taktesuru Pure Malt Essentials 2026 will be available in select markets beginning this month.

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About The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co.

Founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky, Nikka Whisky Distilling Co. is a world-renowned artisanal spirit brand with more than 85 years of mastery in blending behind it. Nikka Whisky continues its steadfast legacy of marrying tradition and innovation, as set forth by Masataka. Guided by his philosophies, variations of malt whiskies distilled at Nikka's two distinct distilleries - Yoichi and Miyagikyo - and grain whiskies distilled in Coffey Stills remain the core pillars of Nikka's complexity and creativity. Today, Nikka offers a wide variety of artisanal expressions brought by its unique assets and skillful blending, which is imported by Hotaling & Co. Those expressions include Nikka Days, Nikka from The Barrel, Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky, Nikka Coffey Gin, Nikka Coffey Vodka, Nikka Yoichi Single Malt, Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt, Nikka Whisky Taketsuru Pure Malt.

About Hotaling & Co.

A born and bred San Francisco original, Hotaling & Co. is the leading importer of artisanal spirits and cocktail essentials. With dedication to artisanal spirits first started in 1993 under the name Anchor Distilling Company, Hotaling & Co. carries on a pioneering legacy through its name, giving a nod to the local legend A.P. Hotaling, who ventured West during the Gold Rush and quickly became one of the most reputable spirits dealers in the country and a notable figure in American drinking culture. Fueled by a passion for beverage expertise, education, and hospitality, Hotaling & Co. carries on this tradition of artisanal excellence by bringing together a family of like-minded spirits that share a commitment to craft and care. Today, Hotaling & Co.’s portfolio is synonymous with brands of unmatched quality and character, including Luxardo Liqueurs & Cherries, Nikka Whisky, HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys, Junipero Gin, HINE Cognac, Convite Mezcal, Fiero Tequila, Kavalan Whisky, Denizen Rum, Dingle, BarSol Pisco, Old Pulteney Whisky, Arran Whisky, Old Potrero Rye Whiskey, Silvio Carta, and more. ©2026 Hotaling & Co., San Francisco, CA. All rights reserved.