Nikka Miyagikyo – Discovery Peated Single Malt Whisky 2021 Release (70cl, 48%)

Nikka Miyagikyo Discovery Peated is a 2021 single malt in which Nikka swaps the usual roles of its two distilleries. Miyagikyo is normally the source of lighter, unpeated whiskies and Yoichi of heavier, smoky ones, but here the arrangement is reversed. The aim is to show the range of what single malts can be and to surprise those who know them well. It is bottled at 48% in a 70cl bottle, and only 20,000 bottles were made worldwide. The palate is full, with chocolate, vanilla and warm spices, stone fruit such as peach and apricot, and a good amount of smoke that does not overpower the rest. Strong esters run through the finish.