Nikka Whisky has released Taketsuru Pure Malt Essentials 2026, the first expression in a five-part limited edition series marking the run-up to the whisky’s 30th anniversary in 2030. The 43% ABV bottling highlights direct coal-fired distillation at Yoichi Distillery and will be available in limited quantities through La Maison du Whisky boutiques, specialist retailers and whisky.fr.
Taketsuru Pure Malt was created in 2000 as a tribute to Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky. The expression blends malt whiskies from Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries.
Nikka said the whisky combines “Yoichi’s powerful, smoky and structured character” with “Miyagikyo’s finesse, roundness and fruity notes”.
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READ THE STORYThe new release is the first chapter in an annual series scheduled to run from 2026 to 2030. Each edition will focus on a different element of Taketsuru Pure Malt’s identity.
For the 2026 edition, Nikka has focused on Yoichi’s direct coal-fired distillation method. The technique has been preserved at the Hokkaidō distillery since its foundation in 1934.
Nikka said the practice is “now exceptionally rare, even in Scotland”. The company added that the method helps create “deep and structured whiskies”.
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The official notes from the brand describe aromas of “malted and lightly toasted” cereal, with “freshly baked biscuit”, “tangy apricot jam” and “soft woody notes”.
On the palate, the whisky is described as “full-bodied and rich”, with “considerable depth”. The brand said the finish is “long and lingering”, with “delicate peaty notes” and “a subtly bitter touch of cask”.
Taketsuru Pure Malt Essentials 2026 is bottled at 70cl and priced at approximately $195 (£155), based on its €180 recommended price.
Masataka Taketsuru was born in 1894 into a family of sake producers and later trained as a chemist. In 1918, he traveled to Scotland for an apprenticeship with Settsu Shuzo, before returning to Japan to develop whisky production.
Taketsuru founded Yoichi Distillery on Hokkaidō in 1934. He later opened Miyagikyo Distillery near Sendai in 1969. Nikka Whisky continues to produce its whisky and spirits portfolio primarily from the two distilleries.
