Miyagikyo – Single Malt (70cl, 45%)

This is a single malt from Nikka's Miyagikyo Distillery in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, bottled at 45% ABV in a 70cl bottle. Founder Masataka Taketsuru chose the green valley site, where two streams meet, to make a malt different from the one produced at Yoichi in Hokkaido. Soft mountain water is used for mashing, and the spirit is distilled slowly in pot stills with indirect steam heating. A little lightly peated malt adds an aromatic accent, and sherry cask and new oak cask malts add depth. The nose is apple and pear, floral notes and soft vanilla. The palate has red apple, dark chocolate, dried fruit sweetness and a faint hint of smoke. The finish is malty and sweet, with a subtle bitterness and gentle oak.