Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt review

Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt is a smoky non-age-statement (NAS) whisky by The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co. I ran into this Japanese whisky on a whisky fair in Turku, Finland. So these are quick tasting notes based on rapid sampling.

So the whisky comes from Nikka Group’s youngest distillery, the Miyagikyo distillery. This is a single malt but Nikka uses Miyagikyo’s malt whisky for blending purposes as well. This expression replaced the previous NAS version, which was also called Miyagikyo Single Malt. It has also replaced their remaining age stated expressions, because demand for Japanese whisky remains ever so strong. That’s why the prices for Japanese whisky are extremely high.

This newer version is said to be made with whiskies spanning various ages. Hinting that there might be even older whiskies included than with the previous NAS release. It’s been primarily matured in sherry casks. I couldn’t find more information on the casks but my guess is that the smaller part of the maturation comes from Japanese Mizunara oak casks (Quercus mongolica).

Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt Whisky Review

Tasting notes

Matured in:

Emphasis on Ex-Sherry casks

ABV: 45%

Colour: Deep gold

Nose: Aromatic with floral, fruity and smoky notes. Ashes combined with exotic fruits and flowers. Burnt wood, bananas and barley.

Taste: Herbal and warming spicy with wee smoke. Malted barley is in the core, hints of licorice and spices on the background. Bit fruity too, mostly dark fruits.

Finish: Quite long and smooth. The smoke is presented but in a soft way. Crispy notes of ginger and grapefruits hit you from the start but the lingering aftertaste is more on the soft smoke side, with tobacco leafs dominating.

Balance: Very balanced and sophisticated whisky. Seems rich but unfortunately I didn’t have time to give some extra time for it. This dram from Japan is something that really deserves to be explored. Let it rest in your whisky nosing glass and take your time with it.