Nikka Miyagikyo Japanese Whisky (750Ml)

Description

Miyagikyo is the single malt from Nikka's second distillery, tucked into a green valley in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru learned the art of whisky making in Scotland. Back home he built his first distillery at Yoichi. Later he went looking for a second site that would make a very different style. He found it in this valley, where the natural setting and the methods would differ from Yoichi. Miyagikyo began distilling in 1969. Today its whisky is known for a soft, fruity and elegant character. It makes a lovely contrast to the bolder malts from Yoichi.

That style starts with the stills. The team uses pot stills heated by indirect steam at a low temperature. The gentle heat keeps the spirit light and fruity, with a delicate feel. The malt is made from 100% malted barley, much of it lightly peated or not peated at all. Sherry casks play a big part in the final blend, along with other oak casks, including American oak. The whisky carries no age statement and is bottled at 45%. That strength gives it enough body without too much heat. It is a whisky made for slow, thoughtful sipping rather than quick shots.

Give the glass a moment, then lean in. The aroma is full and rich. Banana, liquorice and a cool hint of camphor come first. There is a floral note of iris too, and it is surprisingly strong. As it opens, you may catch white flowers, beeswax and a faint wisp of burnt wood. The sherry casks add a soft, fruity depth underneath. It is a lot to explore, so take your time with each pour.

The palate is firm and lively. Malted barley sits at its heart. Around it you find ginger, cinnamon, soft herbs and a touch of chocolate. Fresh tobacco leaf and a little coconut show up toward the end. The texture stays smooth and delicate the whole way through. Nothing feels heavy, yet there is plenty going on. Each sip seems to show you something new, which is part of the fun. Let it rest on your tongue for a few seconds before you swallow. You will notice the spice building slowly.

The finish is long and soft. It brings to mind wilted roses, then a bright lift of lemon and grapefruit. Fine tannins keep it in balance. Slowly it fades into tobacco, cardamom, ginger and toasted nuts. Stewed apple and damson linger, and a last hint of lychee closes it out. Whisky fans around the world rate it highly, and it has earned praise in international competitions. It is a friendly bottle to start with if you are new to Japanese single malt.

Serve this Japanese whisky neat at room temperature, in a glass that lets you enjoy the aroma. A small splash of water will open it up even more. A large ice cube works well on a warm day. It also brings something new to a whisky sour or an Old Fashioned. At the table, try it with sushi, sashimi or grilled seafood. Roast chicken and earthy mushroom dishes are good matches too. Newcomers will find it easy to enjoy. Seasoned fans of fine whisky will find plenty of depth to explore.

Product Details

• UPC: 4904230044581
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• ABV: 45%
• Origin / Country: Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
• Type: Single Malt Japanese Whisky
• Brand: Nikka Whisky
• Distillery: Miyagikyo Distillery (opened 1969)
• Age Statement: No age statement
• Grain / Mash Bill: 100% malted barley, lightly peated and non-peated
• Cask Type: Sherry casks with other oak casks, including American oak
• Production: Pot stills heated by indirect steam; no artificial flavors, sweeteners or color additives
• Recommended Pairing: Sushi, sashimi, grilled seafood, roast chicken, mushroom dishes
• Mixing Suggestion: Neat, with a splash of water, over a large ice cube, whisky sour, Old Fashioned
• Taste Profile: Malted barley, ginger, cinnamon, chocolate, tobacco leaf, coconut
• Aroma & Bouquet: Banana, liquorice, camphor, iris, white flowers, beeswax
• Smooth & Finish: Long and soft, with roses, lemon, grapefruit, toasted nuts, stewed apple and lychee