Nikka Single Malt Miyagikyo

Delicate and fruity single malt – easy to handle with some complexities

DISTILLERY	Nikka – Miyagikyo
REGION	Sendai, Japan
AGE	NAS
STRENGTH	45% (90 Proof)
MASHBILL	100% Malted Barley
MSRP	~$80-100 in US

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GLANCE

Clear with light golden hue. Light intensity

NOSE

A fresh bouquet of fruits. I got notes of mango, peach, pear and hints of pineapple. There is some zestiness that rises to the nose. Lightly cooked oats with honey. Clean with medium intensity overall

PALATE

Watery to mouthfeeling not an oily mouthfeel. Light to medium intensity in flavor. Has a slight smokiness throughout which shows from the lightly peated malted barley. Here I got notes of fresh fig, pear with honey drizzled and musk melon. There is a sweet grain note. Flavors of honey bun, buttered toast, vanilla, and oak.

FINISH

Short to medium in length and simple. Honey, buttered toast and oats was the most consistent flavors I got. But at times I received clove or orange? Couldn’t pin this down.

CLOSING REMARKS

Japanese whisky is hot right now and boy it doesn’t look like the heat streak is going to stop anytime soon. With the new regulations in place of what can be called Japanese whisky? Here are the requirements –

• Has to be distilled in Japan
• Has to be distilled using Japanese water
• Aged for a minimum of 3 years

This has drove the hype and demand for new expression from Japan and especially those age stated dusties. Nevertheless Nikka’s Single Malt Miyagikyo, is a way to enjoy an authentic Japanese whisky that has a defined standard and quality control. Using the coffee still which were preferred by the late and great Masataka are a big influence on the flavor profile.

From Miyagikyo Distillery

“Miyagikyo’s pot stills are much larger than those at Yoichi with different shapes such as a bulge neck and ascending lyne-arm. These pot stills are heated by indirect steam at a much lower temperature that allows slower distillation. This distillation method results in soft and floral characteristics in Miyagikyo Single Malt.”

The coffee still is inefficient compared to the modern stills of today but they allow for more of the grain flavor to come through in the final distillate. The end product definitely justify the distillation style for me. The price point is steep for a single malt NAS, when whisky from Scotland with similar flavor profile can be found for less. Though those prices have gone up as well. If you want a 100% through and through delicious Japanese whisky at just less than $100 then Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt is your friend. Cheers!

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