About two and a half months ago, Nikka announced that their single malt range will radically change (the so-called ‘Nikka Shock’) which means no more age statements and the introduction of two new NAS expressions with a slightly different profile compared to the old ones.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:	Miyagikyo 12 Years Old
Age:	12 Years Old
Category:	Single Malt
Distillery:	Miyagikyo (Nikka)
Cask Types:	Sherry Casks
Strength:	45.0% vol
Colored:	Yes
Chill Filtered:	Yes

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