Nikka Miyagikyo Peated Single Malt Whisky
(Japan) [WA 94, #13 Top 20 Of 2022]

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:
This limited edition of Miyagikyo single malt was introduced in 2021 as the first of the “Nikka Discovery” series. In anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th Anniversary, the series offers an inside look at the various experiments in the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced over the years.
This expression is crafted solely from batches of peated malt, offering a significant distinction from the "light and fruity" image of Miyagikyo. It showcases the exquisite combination of bold, distinctively peaty notes, while leaving its signature estery hint in the aftertaste.

96 proof

Awards/Reviews

Gold - Intl Spirits Challenge 2022

94 Points, #13, Whisky Advocate's Top 20 Of 2022

"The conventional understanding of Nikka’s two distilleries is that Yoichi whiskies are smoky while Miyagikyo expressions are light and fruity. Here Nikka disrupts that thinking in a marriage of peat smoke with all that Miyagikyo has to offer. The nose starts with lemon, apricot, and poached pear as the smoke gently emerges. The palate offers vanilla, caramel, and a layered subtle peat smoke that is positively ethereal. There is lots more to explore: If Nikka hoped to break the mold and venture into new spaces, it has succeeded admirably with this masterpiece."