Like Nikka Yoichi, the core range of its sister distillery Miyagikyo was wiped off the table quite suddenly in September 2015. The brand is now represented only by this no age statement expression, simply called Nikka Miyagikyo single malt.
Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt
(45%, OB 2016, 70 cl.)
Nose: more vanilla than in the Yoichi, but just as juicy and fruity. Lots of red apples and rhubarb tartlets here. Lemon sweets and lime blossom. A slight buttery note. Also custard and some warm, exotic wood in the background.
Mouth: opens on darker fruits than the Yoichi, with a little more bitterness as well (grapefruit, ginger). Vanilla and aniseed. A great (but very subtle) hint of maracuya sherbet. Fades on nougat and mint, as well as some cigar leaves.
Finish: medium long, nutty and drying, spicy with hints of chocolate.
Like Yoichi, not a disappointment at all in terms of quality. Given their low stocks of aged whisky, this a nice composition. It costs around € 75-85 which is a significant price increase compared to the old (50cl) version.
Score: 84/100