Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt

The Miyagikyo distillery is young, built in 1969. It is the largest in the Nikka concern, bigger even than Yoichi Distillery, which Masetaka Taketsuru founded on Hokkaido in 1934. Until 2001, this distillery was named Sendai, after the town in which it was built. This NAS bottling comes in 50cl bottles at 43% ABV. I am putting it head-to-head with the 10 Year Old.

The nose is surprisingly expressive on all kinds of citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit) with a truckload of vanilla and a nice touch of Japanese oak. Very typical. Pretty dry.

On the palate, it does not leave you unperturbed. Bit of oak, slightly drying, and loads of spices. Very sweet. Reminds me of mocha. And some chicory. So somewhat bitter. The fruit is very cooperative. Fruit tea.

The finish is longer than expected and remains spicy sweet.

I was pleasantly surprised by this young Japanese whisky. Very expressive.

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