Hall of Fame

After studying agricultural chemistry at Hokkaido University, Tadashi Sakuma entered Nikka Whisky in 1982. He stepped into the world of whisky at Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido, the birthplace of Nikka. In 1987, he joined the department at the headquarters in Tokyo that controlled production at all of Nikka’s distilleries and plants. During his nine years at the headquarters, the company experienced significant changes in the market and made momentous decisions. In 1995, the company promoted him to general manager of the European office in London. Tadashi travelled across Europe, engaged in deals with Nikka’s suppliers, oversaw the operations of the Ben Nevis Distillery, and expanded the network in the industry, spending five years in this role. By the time he returned to Japan in 2001 and was assigned to the procurement department at the headquarters, Tadashi had already gained a comprehensive understanding of Nikka’s supply chain — from knowledge of raw material suppliers to the production of spirits at the distilleries. In April 2012, he was appointed to be chief blender as the successor of Nikka’s blending technique inherited from the founder Masataka Taketsuru. While he was in the position until March 2022, he led the development of unique expressions using tangible and intangible assets which sustained the brand despite critical restrictions such a severe shortage of matured whisky. His honest and unpretentious character with relaxed energy attracts whisky lovers and peers in the industry.