Nikka Miyagikyo Grande - 48%
Miyagikyo is one of the two distilleries belonging to the Nikka Whisky Company, having been founded 1969 by Masataka Taketsuru. The name Miyagikyo comes from the Miyagi prefecture in which it resides, together with the Japanese word kyō which translates as gorge or glen. In other words, Miyagi Gorge or Glen Miyagi.
As with their Yoichi distillery in the North of Japan, it produces a number of single malts, with Miyagikyo being the more gentle and refined with a sweeter, woodier profile than the more robust and peaty nature of Yoichi. Unsurprisingly, the spirit from the two distilleries is also used in the production of the range of Nikka blended malts, which are developed using different combinations of the spirits from each.
Miyagikyo Grande is a No Age Statement single malt bottling which first made an appearance as a travel retail exclusive bottling in 2022. It was matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon and Sherry casks, with a more extensive use of Sherry casks compared to its core range sibling.
Tasting notes:
Appearance: Burnished gold, coats the glass before falling as thick,oily legs
Nose: California raisins, vanilla pods, toasted almonds, honey, grape must and lemon zest
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, juicy raisins and sultanas, lemon zest, soggy pastry, nutty oak, vanilla, subtle smokiness, cinnamon and a prickle of black pepper
Finish: Quite short and moderately drying, honey, lemon citrus, woody oak, cinnamon
Summary: I haven’t had a Japanese whisky for a few years, partly down to price but also because they’ve always left me underwhelmed. So, when friends brought me back a bottle after a trip to Japan I have to admit I wasn’t expecting to be wowed by it.
However, what I actually found was an enjoyable whisky with a lot to offer. From information I was able to find online, this expression is a combination of three different Miyagikyo whiskies, with the emphasis on this being their spirit matured in sherry casks. Although it’s not quite in sherry bomb territory, it would be safe to say the sherry cask spirit has had a significant influence, adding a decent amount depth and interest.
If I had to pigeon-hole it, I would say it’s in the approachable, easy drinker category. It’s not a deeply complex whisky you spend hours investigating, it sits firmly in the range of ‘just pour and enjoy’. It’s also a whisky which drinks just as well neat as with a little water. I believe this is still travel retail only, so getting hold of a bottle over here either requires a whisky mule or paying a premium.
