Nikka Whisky Distilling operates a number of distilleries and other facilities in Japan, including two Japanese whisky distilleries, Yoichi, Miyagikyo as well as the Ben Nevis Distillery (acquired in 1989) in Scotland.
The founder, Masataka Taketsuru, travelled to Scotland in 1918 to learn the process of distilling Scotch whisky first hand. He studied at the University of Glasgow and malt
whisky production at the Hazelburn distillery, in Campbeltown. He married the daughter of a Glasgow doctor, and the couple returned to Japan in 1920. In 1923 he joined Kotobukiya (currently Suntory) and helped to establish a distillery before starting Nikka in 1934.
Nikka is currently owned by Asahi Breweries.Show more