Nikka Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast Single Malt 2022 (48%)

This is a 2022 single malt from Nikka's Miyagikyo distillery, bottled at 48% ABV. It belongs to the Nikka Discovery series, which shows the experiments made at different stages of whisky making. Here the focus is on yeast, and the result is an ester aroma likened to Ginjyo sake. It is not chill-filtered, and 4,800 bottles were produced. The nose opens with lavender and marshmallow, then ripe peach, pear and apricot, followed by vanilla, coconut milk and lemon meringue. On the palate, barley field and fern lead to fresh brioche, white peach, pear and acacia honey. The finish is long and silky, with sage, chamomile and verbena, a little salt and a hint of ginger.