Nikka Whisky Distilling

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt The Nikka to buy when you want both of its distilleries in one glass. Named for Masataka Taketsuru, the company's founder, it is a blended malt made from Yoichi and Miyagikyo malt and bottled at 43%: orange and juicy pear, cardamom and candied fruit, then a little peat on the finish. Because the malt comes from Nikka's own two distilleries, it sidesteps the problem that rules out From the Barrel. Nikka's English pages do not spell out its status under the industry standard the way they do for Coffey Grain, but nothing in the blend is described as coming from outside Japan.