Nikka "Miyagikyo" Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $102)

Miyagikyo is an incredible NAS (non aging statement) whisky that is reasonably priced. It is the youngest of the Miyagikyo whisky lines, but it is still well balanced in flavours. You get a smoky finish with hints of tobacco lingering on your palette. Like any Japanese whisky's, you get robust floral and smoky notes from the start that mellow out on the finish. This delicate whisky is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

If you've ever wondered what all the fuss is about regarding Japanese whisky - the single malts from Nikka will answer all of your questions. The Miyagikyo distillery sits nestled in the Mountains of Sendai in the Miyagi Prefecture and is worlds away from the coastal home of Nikka's other distillery - Yoichi. Miyagikyo typically produces 2 whiskies - an unpeated version and a lightly peated whisky. These are made on the distilleries pot stills heated by indirect steam which give the whisky an elegant aroma and body as well as distinct fruitiness. The lightly peated and unpeated whiskys are aged in a variety of barrels before being blended together, but the flagship bottling does heavily feature sherry matured spirit. The end result is an elegant and complex single malt with incredible nuance and just a waft of smoke. The color matches an en rama Fino Sherry perfectly - bright and clear gold. The nose is elegant, almost ethereal. It's marked by high quality sherry and is reminiscent of some characteristics of Manzanilla, Amontillado, and Oloroso. The fruit is beautiful and hard to pick apart. Sweet apples, stone fruits, plums, cherry blossoms all mingle with the saltiness of Manzanilla, the savor of Amontillado, and the orange peel and nutty chocolate of Oloroso. The peat is there, but it's the kind of whisky I'd happily recommend to someone who says they don't like peat. A Oban drinker would feel right at home here. Integration is the name of the game here. There isn't a single hard edge to be found. The balance is superb. The finish is long and sweet. Built in 1969, the Miyagikyo distillery is an absolute classic of Japanese whisky production.

In terms of high quality, Japanese malts Nikkas' Miyagikyo is a coveted bottle. This whiskey is a gorgeous golden hue. It's not too weighty, pours into the glass like air! The nose on this bottle is elegant, with cherry blossoms, cut red apples, and even fresh-pressed pineapple juice! That's not the end though, right on the dredges of the nose is the sweet scent of caramelized sugar. Some textural complexity here dances on the tongue without being too overbearing on the palate, this plays in nicely with the warming spices you catch on taste. Cinnamon and cardamon play well with a persistent note of red apples. This whisky speaks for itself, honestly. No amount of my words will do it justice -- give it a try and see for yourself.