Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Miyagikyo malts are described as elegant and fruity. Made from light peated and non-peated malted barley, whiskies distilled in pot stills heated by indirect steam express a signature fruitiness and delicate mouthfeel. This no-age-statement version was released in 2016 as a permanent product that showcases the elegant style of Miyagikyo malts, when all age-statements were discontinued. This bottling has estery aromas generated by carefully selected yeast strains along with distinctive Sherry cask influence.

Here we have a Japanese single malt whisky - an actual Japanese whisky, distilled and aged in Japan, as far as we know. From the Miyagikyo distillery, and bottled under the Nikka umbrella, this bottle of single malt is supposedly made of a mix of unpeated and lightly peated malt, which, along with gentle indirect still heating through steam, lends to a delicate and fruity character in the distillate.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Somewhat light in complexion with a bit of citrus like lime, crisp Granny Smith apple, and mild peat; it's slightly coastal as well, with just a light salt crust. There's a definite vinegar note that we found in multiple tastings, but it isn't unpleasant - more like red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. There are mellow wine notes, including tart white wine and white grape, as well as darker fruits like blackberry and raisin; a little bit of nuttiness like almonds, and some baking notes of cookies, cinnamon, and nutmeg. There are fresh greens, a slightly sweet hard candy, even a hint of margaritas at times, and overall, it's rather delicate.

Palate: Just a tiny hint of that peat again to start the palate, with a medium thickness mouthfeel, and it's a punch of flavor overall, though not overwhelming or harsh. Oils and buttery chardonnay start us off, along with light crisp notes that mimic the nose: honeyed sweetness, mild fruits like green apple and lemon, and that coastal saltiness comes back as well. Some heather or hay are next, and then it's on to wood notes: soft vanilla sugar, wood sugars, just a little bit of a tannin; later, we get more of a wood char or even a tiny dark sherry note, just something darker overall, almost hidden. It ends with that mild almond taste from the nose.

Finish: The finish is medium length, maybe medium-short; somewhat soft and subtle, with just a hint of smoke, but plenty of vanilla and honey. The heather and hay notes are still there, along with some cinnamon, and at the end, just a little bit of darker flavor like prune, or overripe strawberries.

100% malted barley

45% ABV / 90 Proof

750 ML