Nikka Miyagikyo 2002 (cask #101127)

A sherry butt filled 13/12/2002 and bottled 04/07/2012, which makes it one of the youngest Miyagikyo single casks I’ve seen so far.

Nikka Miyagikyo 9 yo 2002 (62%, OB 2012, refill butt #101127, 517 btl.)

Nose: full of juicy barley, vanilla cake and marzipan. Oranges, pineapple and apple compote. Buttercups and Lilies of the Valley. Also a very delicate Manzanilla kind of coastal note, but overall definitely fruity and rounded.

Mouth: just as bright and wow, very punchy. Lots of honey, yellow plums, apricot jam and whitecurrants. Lemon zest. Youngish malt, slightly candied. Some fresh oak, plenty of pepper and ginger, and again a salty edge.

Finish: medium long, with the same flavours and a light liquorice dryness.

Beautiful Miyagikyo, a vibrant cask that was certainly not too young to be bottled. It comes at an exaggerated price though. Around € 160, still available in several stores.

Score: 88/100