Description

Miyagikyo Malty & Soft Distillery Limited Bottling Note

Miyagikyo Malty & Soft Distillery Limited is a single malt whisky produced by Nikka. It hails from their second distillery, Miyagikyo, nestled on the Miyagi prefecture.

Produced entirely from malted barley, this NAS expression utilizes steam heat distillation, yielding a characteristically lighter and fruitier profile compared to the robust malts from their Yoichi distillery. The “Malty & Soft” moniker accurately reflects the potential blend of various Miyagikyo single malts, renowned for their malty sweetness and soft texture.

This distillery exclusive bottling boasts a near cask strength ABV of 55%, presenting the whisky in its most natural, undiluted form. While specifics on cask maturation remain undisclosed, whispers suggest the influence of sherry casks, potentially imparting notes of wood, dried fruit, and a hint of sweetness to the flavor profile.

While details about the specific casks used for maturation are scarce, this expression delivers a soft sweetness derived from the malt and a smooth, well-rounded profile. It feels like a natural extension of the current official Miyagikyo single malt.

Miyagikyo Malty & Soft Distillery Limited promises a unique and delightful exploration of Nikka’s whisky-making mastery at the Miyagikyo distillery.

Miyagikyo Malty & Soft Distillery Limited Tasting Note

Nose: The aroma opens with crisp freshness, reminiscent of summer orchard fruits. Fragrant malt notes gradually emerge, interwoven with hints of youthful bitterness and dry wood, hinting at aged complexity. A splash of water reveals a surprising sweetness, highlighting a harmonious interplay of wasanbon and biscuit.

Palate: The initial sip offers a satisfying malty mouthfeel with a youthful, invigorating malt character. Hints of dried apple and herbal notes dance on the tongue, leading to a dry malt finish with a subtle sour twist. This expression closely resembles the current Miyagikyo house style, providing a clear representation of the distillery’s spirit. Adding water enhances drinkability, unveiling a lighter side with delicate fruit hints.

Finish: The finish lingers pleasantly, showcasing the interplay of malt and dry wood. The youthful bitterness from the nose carries over subtly, adding complexity. Water refines the experience, leaving a clean and refreshing aftertaste with a touch of lingering sweetness.

Overall: Miyagikyo Malty & Soft Distillery Limited offers a delightful exploration of the distillery’s current style. While lacking the depth of older expressions, it provides a captivating glimpse into their contemporary production. The emphasis on the raw spirit’s character shines through, showcasing a soft sweetness derived from the malt alongside a smooth and well-rounded profile. This bottling is ideal for those seeking to understand contemporary Miyagikyo whisky.