So today, I want to say goodbye to the old Nikka singe malt range by reviewing a total of six expression:

1. Yoichi NAS
2. Yoichi 10 Years Old
3. Yoichi 15 Years Old
4. Miyagikyo NAS
5. Miyagikyo 10 Years Old
6. Miyagikyo 12 Years Old

Miyagikyo was founded in 1969 on the island of Honshu (the biggest of the four Japanese main islands), built in a valley landscape. The whole production process in the distillery (also called ‘The Innovator’) is managed by computers. The eight pot stills and two coffey stills (added in 1998) are heated by steam. The house style is subscribed as “round and generous, yet gentle and delicate”.

The Miyagikyo 12 Years Old is aged in sherry casks, for “increased body and complexity”. It is characterized by “a fruity noise with a hint of vanilla and a sweet, well-balanced palate.”

Facts

Miyagikyo 12 Years Old

Nose

Rather light. A bit floral. Roasted coffee, pecan nuts and spices.

Taste

Rich. Salted popcorn with caramel sauce. Sweet caramel. Berries covered with chocolate. A pleasant saltiness to round things up.

Finish

Long. Warming and drying. Hints of fruits.

Overall

The palate is really, really good but the rest lacks behind a bit. Overall not the sherry bomb I would have expected but pleasant nonetheless.

Score: 85 / 100

So today, I want to say goodbye to the old Nikka singe malt range by reviewing a total of six expression:

1. Yoichi NAS
2. Yoichi 10 Years Old
3. Yoichi 15 Years Old
4. Miyagikyo NAS
5. Miyagikyo 10 Years Old
6. Miyagikyo 12 Years Old

Miyagikyo was founded in 1969 on the island of Honshu (the biggest of the four Japanese main islands), built in a valley landscape. The whole production process in the distillery (also called ‘The Innovator’) is managed by computers. The eight pot stills and two coffey stills (added in 1998) are heated by steam. The house style is subscribed as “round and generous, yet gentle and delicate”.

The Miyagikyo 10 Years Old is characterized by “a lively, floral nose harmonizing the light scent of malt and a creamy, silky palate”, thus making it “not unlike single malts of Speyside”.

Facts

Miyagikyo 10 Years Old

Nose

Ah yes, the influence of bourbon barrels isn’t deniable. A lot of oranges, accompanied by lemons, vanilla and caramel. Malted barely. Hints of light smoke and soap in the back. Maybe also some sherry but I am not complete sure.

Taste

Smooth and soft with a light tingling on the tongue. Lots of vanilla. Milk chocolate, cinnamon and coconut. Cooked vegetables. Balanced by a light touch of peppery oak and peat.

Finish

Medium. Bitter and spicy. Nuts.

Overall

Yeah… not exactly a disappointment I would say, but I am also not “wowed” to be honest. Not bad, but doesn’t really stand out either. Especially the finish is a bit weak in my opinion.

Score: 83 / 100

So today, I want to say goodbye to the old Nikka singe malt range by reviewing a total of six expression:

1. Yoichi NAS
2. Yoichi 10 Years Old
3. Yoichi 15 Years Old
4. Miyagikyo NAS
5. Miyagikyo 10 Years Old
6. Miyagikyo 12 Years Old

Miyagikyo was founded in 1969 on the island of Honshu (the biggest of the four Japanese main islands), built in a valley landscape. The whole production process in the distillery (also called ‘The Innovator’) is managed by computers. The eight pot stills and two coffey stills (added in 1998) are heated by steam. The house style is subscribed as “round and generous, yet gentle and delicate”.

The Miyagikyo NAS is characterized as “soft, fruity and spicy”, making it “perfect as an apperitif”.

Facts

Miyagikyo NAS

Nose

Rich and deep. A bit floral at first. Then cooked citrus fruits on vanilla pudding with cinnamon. Blond tobacco and floral honey. Followed by anise and a whiff of cacao powder.

Taste

Vigorous and oily. Nuts strewn with cacao powder. Pepper. Followed by ripe plums, pears and apricots.

Finish

Long and slightly sour. Hey, grass and flowers. Hints of nuts.

Overall

Wow! This is probably one of the best NAS expressions I came across more recently. Really pleasant and varied.

Score: 86 / 100