In 2010, Whisky Magazine bestowed the title of Blended Malt Whisky of the Year upon this whisky. It showcases a profile of pepper and salt, accompanied by nuances of prunes, dried orange, walnut, and ginger. This whisky is sporadically available in very limited quantities.
Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka, journeyed to Scotland in 1918 to immerse himself in the craft of whisky production. Trained in Organic Chemistry, he apprenticed at various Scottish distilleries. During a brief stay in Campbeltown with his Scottish wife, he worked at Hazelburn distillery. Upon his return to Japan, he collaborated with Shinjiro Torii in establishing Yamazaki. In 1934, Taketsuru established his first distillery, Yoichi, situated on Hokkaido.
