Nikka Whisky was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, Japan's first master distiller who had previously established Suntory's Yamazaki Distillery. After leaving Suntory, Taketsuru built his first distillery, Yoichi, in Hokkaido to replicate the conditions of Scottish whisky making. Today, Nikka is Japan's second-largest whisky producer, operating two renowned distilleries: Yoichi (known for robust, peaty malts) and Miyagikyo (known for elegant, fruity malts). The portfolio includes acclaimed single malts from both distilleries, the Taketsuru pure malt series, and innovative Coffey Grain whiskies. Nikka has gained international recognition for its meticulous craftsmanship and has won numerous awards, cementing its position as a cornerstone of Japanese whisky excellence.