Nikka Discovery Series - Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast Single Malt Whisky
(Japan) - [WA 93]

About Nikka: 
The founder of Nikka and the father of Japanese whisky, Masataka Taketsuru, received his training in Scotland while under contract for another company. Taketsuru founded Nikka in 1934 with the establishment of the Yoichi Distillery on the island of Hokkaido. Taketsuru's early successes prompted the development of a second distillery in 1969, this time built on the island of Honshu in the foothills of the Miyagi prefecture, two hours north of Tokyo.

About the Whisky:

These rare versions of Yoichi and Miyagikyo Single Malts are released as the second in the 'Nikka Discovery' series -- limited bottlings that offer an inside look at the various experiments made during the whiskey-making process.

The 2022 limited edition bottlings focus on the distinctive aromas generated by yeast selected from Nikka's vast 'culture collection.' This pair of expressions is designed to use rare, experimental batches with unique aromas that originated from yeast.

Single Malt Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast is crafted with yeast that generates a peach fruit-like aroma, which enhances Miyagikyo's traditional elegant and fruity style. Careful blending is practiced, ensuring each expression balances the unique aromas with the authentic style of each distillery.

94 Proof

Awards/Reviews:

Gold - Intl Spirits Challenge 2023

93 Points - Whisky Advocate

"A dreamy, ethereal confection of strawberry, cherry, vanilla, peach syrup, and sweet flora notes, plus butterscotch, marzipan, sweet pastries, and delicate scents of lemon sweetness. The palate has sweet citrus, apricot, dried mango, papaya, passion fruit, lemon, grapefruit, and peach rings. A conquest of tart grapefruit flavors over the tropical fruitiness leaves cotton candy, honey, apricot, and vanilla to finish. Irresistibly tasty."

Grade: A-

 "Designed to be fruity, specifically evoking peaches, again Nikka succeeds with aplomb. It smells like peaches. It tastes like peaches. There’s a touch of more generalized sweetness — again, akin to bubblegum — but by and large this has a candylike character that tastes just like gummy peach rings pulled straight from the bulk bin. Secondary flavors of vanilla and lemon curd are there, but they’re almost not worth mentioning. If you’re into peaches, well, have I got a whisky for you." - Drinkhacker