Nikka Single Malt Miyagikyo is the flagship expression from the Miyagikyo Distillery, Nikka's second home, founded in 1969 in a wooded valley of Miyagi Prefecture where the clear waters of the Nikkawa and Hirose rivers meet. If its sibling Yoichi is bold and coastal, Miyagikyo is its elegant counterpoint, a softer, fruitier and more floral single malt shaped by gentle steam heated pot stills rather than Yoichi's fierce coal fires. This no age statement bottling was released in 2016 as a permanent product to showcase the distillery's refined house style after the age stated Miyagikyo range was retired. It is distilled entirely from malted barley, mostly unpeated with a small portion of lightly peated malt for subtle depth, and it draws distinctive estery aromas from carefully selected yeast strains. Maturation leans heavily on sherry casks, with some bourbon and new American oak in the mix, giving a nutty, fruit forward character. It officially meets every criterion of the Japanese whisky standard set by the Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association, so this is genuine single origin Japanese single malt. Bottled at 45 percent alcohol by volume, it pours a warm amber and opens with an elegant, estery nose of orchard fruit, pear and green apple alongside honey, malt and a whisper of sherried nuttiness. The palate is smooth and medium bodied, weaving honeyed barley, baked citrus peel, almond, vanilla and gentle spice, with only the faintest breath of smoke. The finish is long and delicate with malt sweetness, soft oak and lingering fruit. Refined, balanced and easy to love, it is a perfect introduction to Japanese single malt and a rewarding pour for seasoned drinkers. Enjoy it neat, with a few drops of water, or in a Japanese highball.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Nikka |
| Distillery |
Miyagikyo (Sendai) Distillery (Miyagi Prefecture) |
| Producer |
The Nikka Whisky Distilling Co., Ltd. |
| Category |
Japanese Single Malt Whisky |
| Age |
No age statement (permanent release since 2016) |
| Distillation |
Steam heated pot stills; mostly unpeated malt |
| Maturation |
Primarily sherry casks; some bourbon and new American oak |
| ABV |
45% |
| Proof |
90 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Japan |
| Region |
Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture |
Tasting Notes
Color: Warm amber.
Nose: Elegant and estery, orchard fruit, pear and green apple with honey, malt and sherried nuttiness.
Palate: Smooth and medium bodied, honeyed barley, baked citrus peel, almond, vanilla and gentle spice.
Finish: Long and delicate with malt sweetness, soft oak and lingering fruit.
FAQ
What is Nikka Single Malt Miyagikyo? It is the flagship no age statement single malt from Nikka's Miyagikyo Distillery, known for an elegant, fruity and floral style that contrasts with the bolder Yoichi.
What proof is it? It is bottled at 45 percent alcohol by volume, which is 90 proof.
Is it a genuine Japanese whisky? Yes. It meets every criterion of the Japanese whisky standard defined by the Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association.
How does it differ from Nikka Yoichi? Miyagikyo is softer, fruitier and largely unpeated, made with steam heated stills, while Yoichi is peaty and maritime from coal fired distillation.
How should I drink it? Neat, with a few drops of water, or in a Japanese highball.
Where can I buy Nikka Single Malt Miyagikyo Japanese Whisky online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
