2022 Release

This is a special edition of single malt from the Miyagikyo distillery, Nikka’s second distillery built in 1969. The founder Masataka Taketsuru, know as the father of Japanese whisky, chose this site in the mountains of Sendai to contrast with his first distillery, Yoichi, located in the coastal area. Using less peaty malt and distilled in a pot still heated by indirect steam, Miyagikyo single malts have an elegant fruitiness and a distinctive aroma with a strong Sherry cask influence.

The Miyagikyo “Grande” further enhances the unique characteristics of the sherry cask malt and new barrel-aged malt, which underpin the elegant and vibrant flavor of “Single Malt Miyagikyo.” It features a sweet, rich aroma reminiscent of dried fruit from the sherry cask, a fruity and mellow flavor reminiscent of pear, a fragrant cocoa aroma, and a lingering bitter finish

“This bottle of Miyagikyo Grande surprised me. After I got past the silly name, it delivered a richer, deeper, and more complex sip than the standard Miyagikyo release. Its well rounded, with a sweeter, more robust character than many other Japanese whiskies at this price point. The heavier use of sherry barrels made a sweeter, more complex palate that overcame its youthful age to turn this into an instantly crushable whisky. The longer I sipped, the better it became. The 48% ABV and non-chill filtration certainly helped the mouthfeel, which was excellent and rewarding. In todays age, its hard to call anything in Japanese whisky a good deal. This is the exception. Id happily pick up another bottle of this next time Im in Japan.” – Chris Ellis, The Whisky Study (88 Points)