Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt is a Japanese whisky produced by the Nikka company, part of Asai. The distillery is located in Sendai, a larger city in the middle to northern part of Japan's mainland island.
Type: Single Malt.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The distillery features both column stills and pot stills, suggesting a diverse production process. The whisky is noted to have some finishing in sherry casks. It carries no age statement.
Color, Clarity, and Bottle Design: Specific details about the color, clarity, and bottle design were not discussed in the transcript.

Balance of Flavors: Described as well-balanced, with a medium smokiness that is not comparable to an Islay whisky. The whisky presents a mix of licorice, smokiness, spicy notes without bitterness, and a long, intense aftertaste.
Unique or Standout Characteristics: The whisky has a surprising full volume despite its light, fresh, floral, and fruity nose. It features flavors of licorice, ginger or gingerbread, and a hint of oakiness. The sherry cask influence is not dominant, suggesting the distillery character plays a significant role in the flavor profile.
Comparison: It is lighter in smokiness compared to Islay whiskies and has a unique blend of floral, fruity, and spicy notes.

Interesting Stories: The distillery's founder, Masataka Taketsuru, initially made apple wine due to cash flow problems before switching to whisky production. The distillery still produces apple wine, adding a unique aspect to its history and gift shop offerings.
Anecdotes: Benedikt Luening mentions obtaining a Japanese driver's license and the cultural experience of driving in Japan, which, while not directly related to whisky, adds a personal touch to the review.

Historical Context: The distillery's history and its founder's initial venture into apple wine production before fully committing to whisky highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability in the face of financial challenges.
Geographical Context: The distillery's location in Sendai and its accessibility to tourists and Japanese people alike emphasize its significance as a cultural and tourist destination within Japan.

"It's a lovely nice well-balanced whisky. That's what you have with the Japanese." - This quote encapsulates the reviewers' overall positive impression of the Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt, praising its balance and quality, which they attribute to Japanese craftsmanship.

Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt is a Japanese whisky from the Nikka company, located in Sendai.
It features a mix of column and pot still distillation, with some sherry cask finishing, but carries no age statement.
The flavor profile includes a medium smokiness, licorice, ginger or gingerbread, and a hint of oakiness, with a surprising full volume despite its light, floral, and fruity nose.
The distillery has an interesting history, initially producing apple wine due to financial constraints.
The whisky is described as well-balanced, embodying the craftsmanship associated with Japanese whisky.

For Whisky Enthusiasts Interested in Japanese Whisky: This whisky offers a unique insight into Japanese distillation techniques and flavor profiles, making it a must-try.
For Fans of Lightly Smoked Whiskies: Individuals who appreciate a subtle smokiness without the intensity of Islay whiskies may find this single malt particularly enjoyable.
For Collectors and History Buffs: The distillery's unique history and the founder's initial venture into apple wine production add a layer of intrigue for those interested in the stories behind their whiskies.