The tale of Taketsuru's life is of the same fabric legends are made of. Sent in 1918 as young apprentice to Scotland by his Japanese employers to crack the secrets of Whisky, he not only came back with that knowledge but also with Rita Taketsuru, who went on playing a decisive role in the development of the Japanese Whisky industry. Thanks to her connection to Japanese high society, Masataka was able to finance the company that is now known as Nikka Whisky. Forward a century later, Taketsuru 17 yo is awarded the Best Blended Whisky at the World Whisky awards 2012 and 2018, a fitting crown for this blend of Malts from the two Nikka distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagikyo.