Nikka Miyagikyo Grande Travel Retail Exclusive (2022) 70cl
If you are looking at this then you know how rare it is to find this. One was sold on another website at £399 but we are reasonable and keep prices low.
Nikka Whisky company is probably best known for having two distinctive distilleries – each with its own distinct characteristics and flavors profiles. High in the northern region of Japan lies Yoichi; known for its salty, peaty, and more fiery personality. Further to the south lies Miyagikyo; known for its sweeter, woodier, and more subtle flavor profiles. Nikka deftly blends these two personalities together in most of their releases, but also produces single malts of each as part of their core range.
Today, we dive into a special Miyagikyo. This expression is a travel retail exclusive, only available in select airports in Japan. Known as Miyagikyo Grande, this features a slightly higher 48% ABV, non-chill filtration, and more extensive use of sherry casks in its composition when compared to the standard Miyagikyo Single Malt release. Retailing for around 10,000 yen, is this worth the buy? Let’s jump in and find out.
Tasting Notes
Nose : Young, zesty and vibrant. Floral, sweet vanilla mixed with honey suckle and marzipan. A much bigger sherry influence, with a sugary sweet cream, and some light raisin and grape notes. Approachable and bright – a much improved nose compared to the standard release.
Palate : Baked pastry, almond, black pepper, and a burst of citrus zest. Bready quality reminiscent of apple pie and sweet bread. Milk chocolate and buttery shortbread. Excellent mouthfeel, creamy and rich.
Finish : Medium length finish that clings to the mouth. More pastry dough and honey mixed with a gentle woodiness.
About Nikka
Whisky is a Japanese company, founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru – the "Father of Japanese Whisky" – after he studied distilling in Scotland. The brand is known for its two distilleries, the maritime-style Yoichi and the more delicate Miyagikyo, which produce a wide range of single malt and blended whiskies. Nikka blends Scotch-inspired techniques with Japanese precision, creating whiskies renowned for their complexity, balance, and unique character influenced by their distinct environments.
48% ABV
70cl