Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whiskey, became the model for the drama "Massan" being broadcast on NHK. The whiskey brand "Nikka Whiskey" founded by Mr. Taketsuru and limited products related to Mr. Taketsuru and his wife Rita will be released one after another.

"Massan whiskey" one after another
"Massan whiskey" one after another

◆ Reprint of the first issue of Black Nikka

From January 2015, three types of Nikka Whiskey reprint products will be released in a limited quantity of 10,000 boxes. The blender tasted the existing product in question and reproduced the flavor.

The first "First Issue Black Nikka Reprint Edition" (released January 27) is a reproduction of the "First Issue Black Nikka (Special Grade)" released in 1956. This is the first product of the same brand with a large layout of the "Nikka Emblem" devised by Mr. Taketsuru himself. In order to reproduce the flavor of those days, the malt raw liquor uses only Yoichi malt and is blended with cafe grain. Also, as at that time, it seems that "normal temperature filtration" is adopted, which leaves a lot of flavor components and gives a richer aroma and complex taste.

Label also reproduced
Label also reproduced

The second is "First issue Hainikka reprint" (released on February 24). This is a reprint of the "First Issue Hainikka (Second Grade)" released as a second grade whiskey in 1964, and it is easy to buy 500 yen from Mr. Taketsuru's idea of "delicious whiskey at a reasonable price for more people". It was sold at the price. It is characterized by its soft taste, and Mr. Taketsuru himself continued to drink it in his later years.

Mr. Taketsuru thought that "HiHi" should be familiar.
Mr. Taketsuru thought that "HiHi" should be familiar.

The details of the third product will be announced at a later date.

◆ Specially designed canned highball

Two types of canned highballs with the story of "Massan and Rita" are also available. "Taketsuru Highball" designed by Mr. Taketsuru and "Rita Highball" with apple juice are on sale. People who are not good at drinking with rock or even beginners of whiskey may find it easy to drink.

The canned highball tells the story of Massan and Rita
The canned highball tells the story of Massan and Rita

In the drama, Yamazaki's distillery has finally begun full-scale operation. Yoichi (Hokkaido) is still a dream destination for Massan. What about Massan's whiskey making?