Miyagikyo – 12 Years Old (70cl, 45%)

Miyagikyo 12 Years Old is a single malt from Nikka's Miyagikyo distillery in Japan, in a 70cl bottle at 45%. It was matured in sherry casks. The distillery was founded by Masataka Taketsuru in 1969 near Sendai. It uses large stills with slender necks, heated indirectly by steam, a method said to keep more of the floral and fruity character in the spirit. The nose has ripe peach, pear and dried fruit with vanilla and toast. The palate is full and soft, with malty sweetness and chocolate and cinnamon from the sherry casks. The finish is lasting and clean, with bitter orange peel and a flower-nectar sweetness.