The Nikka 'Tailored' 43%

In the early 1900's, Masataka Taketsuru travelled from Japan to Scotland to learn the art of making whisky. From 1918–1919, Taketsuru studied in Glasgow, before moving beyond the books to hands-on training at Longmorn and Hazelburn distilleries. While in Glasgow he met and fell in love with Rita Cowan, a local lass who he went on to marry in 1920 despite opposition from those around them.

While Taketsuru wanted to remain in Scotland, he was encouraged by Rita to return to Japan, where he oversaw the construction of the country's first single malt whisky distillery, Yamazaki.

With an aim to create the most authentic whisky possible, Rita & Taketsuru set their sights on Hokkaido, settling in the remote village of Yoichi, where they built its namesake distillery, the first for his company, Nikka.

Today Takesuru is widely regarded as the father of Japanese whisky, an endearing term for the man who was driven to success by his passion for Scotland, its whisky and most of all, his beloved wife Rita.