Nikka Miyagikyo 12 years old (Sendai) Single Malt Japanese Whisky 70 cl 45%

In the valley by the Nikkawa river north of Sendai, Masataka Taketsuru built his second distillery - deliberately different from his first, to give Nikka two distinct voices.

Expert Description

Nikka Miyagikyo 12 Year Old is a Single Malt Japanese Whisky, bottled at 45%.

The whisky comes from Miyagikyo Distillery, founded in 1969 by Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru in a spot he himself described as resembling Scotland's Speyside. With its slender stills and a milder, more fruit-forward spirit than sister distillery Yoichi, Miyagikyo is known for its floral, sherry-rich style.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Ripe apples and pears meet a delicate sherry sweetness and a touch of vanilla.

Palate

Soft and fruity with honey, light spice and a fine, sherry-driven depth.

Finish

Medium length and soft, with a last note of dried fruit.

Specifications

Name: Nikka Miyagikyo 12 Year Old
Distillery: Nikka
Region/Country: Sendai, Japan
Type: Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 45%
Size: 70 CL
EAN no.: 4904230104735

Flavour Profile

Fruity · Floral · Soft · Sherry-driven

Investment Potential

High. Nikka discontinued most of its age-stated releases around 2015 due to limited stock, making a 12-year-old Miyagikyo like this one increasingly hard to find.

Did You Know?

Masataka Taketsuru deliberately chose Miyagikyo's location because its climate and water were the exact opposite of Yoichi's - he wanted two distilleries that could each speak in their own voice within Nikka's blends.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nikka Miyagikyo 12 Year Old

Why is Nikka Miyagikyo 12 Year Old hard to find?

Nikka phased out most of its age-stated range around 2015 due to limited whisky stocks, making bottles like this one increasingly scarce.

What is the difference between Miyagikyo and Yoichi?

Miyagikyo uses slimmer stills and produces a milder, more fruity, floral spirit, while Yoichi is heavier and smokier - the two distilleries were deliberately designed to complement each other.

Is Nikka Miyagikyo 12 Year Old worth it?

Yes, as a discontinued age-stated release from one of Japan's most respected distilleries, it holds both flavour and collector value.

What glass suits Miyagikyo best?

A tulip-shaped nosing glass brings out the floral, fruity notes best.

When was Miyagikyo Distillery founded?

The distillery was founded in 1969 by Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru, north of Sendai.

Can Nikka Miyagikyo 12 Year Old be used in cocktails?

It can work in a simple highball, but its soft, sherry-driven complexity is best enjoyed in a glass on its own.