Slainte-Mhath
Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt
Single Malt — Japan
Reviewed
July 8, 2021 (edited July 23, 2023)
Opened in 1969 and formerly known as Sendai distillery, Miyagikyo produces the bulk of Nikka's malt and grain whisky. The nose of this NAS expression is fruity, floral and not overtly young, emphasizing banana, mango and a touch of coconut. Beeswax, raisins and lemon hide in the back. On the palate, rich, sweet and surprisingly spicy flavors predominate, ranging from ginger, cinnamon and apples to mocha, licorice and restrained oak. Peppery, zesty and slightly herbaceous, the medium finish subsides with a hint of peat. A very pleasant summer dram.
RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 84 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE
68.0
EUR
per
Bottle
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@cascode I am still waiting for some exclusive features that are useful to me, so I might join you in the future. Until then, I trust my ad blocker. 🤑
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@Slainte-Mhath Ha, yes I weakened. I'm taking Mikael at his word that some enhancements are coming, so $10 seemed a small sum to show support.
@cascode Ah, I see you joined the dark side, opting for Distiller Pro? 🕵🏼♂️🕵🏼♂️🕵🏼♂️
My Nikka product ranking: Yoichi NAS (85 pts) > Nikka From the Barrel (85 pts) > Nikka Taketsuru (84 pts) > Miyagikyo NAS (84 pts). All expressions are in a very narrow range, overall solid quality. Later this year, I will review Miyagikyo 12 yo, Yoichi 15 yo and Taketsuru 21 yo.
@Slainte-Mhath we figured we’d stay within US this year—-just easier, with all these new variants appearing.
@PBMichiganWolverine Enjoy your vacation! National parks are not a bad choice, I have been at Yosemite in 2014.
@Slainte-Mhath yeah, we’re staying in US this year instead of any international. Grand Canyon and Utah national parks.
@PBMichiganWolverine Good question! I am only visiting my family in Germany, but the whole travel restrictions, Covid tests and traveling with our dog make the journey more complicated than traveling to Japan!
@Slainte-Mhath travel will be limited this time around —-where you off to ?
Time for a little summer break, I will be back in August reviewing Caol Ila 35 yo, which I'll open in celebration of my 40th birthday. I wish everyone a great summer!
Additional comment: I gave both Nikka Taketsuru and Miyagikyo 84 points, the quality is almost identical. I liked the finish of Taketsuru a little more, but that is neglectable as both expressions are very solid. I perceive Miyagikyo almost as a Japanese Speysider, with fruity and floral flavors at the forefront. If you are only willing to buy one of them, go for new version of Nikka Taketsuru.