Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt (70cl, 45%)

Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt is a Japanese malt that pairs the distillery's fruity, floral style with a clear influence from former sherry casks, which are the focus of its maturation. It is bottled at 45% in a 70cl bottle. Less heavily peated malt is used here than at Nikka's sister distillery Yoichi, and distillation is in pot stills heated indirectly by steam. Flowers, exotic fruit, spice, wax and a little smoke run through it. The nose opens with iris, then malt, banana, liquorice and camphor, with burnt wood, white blossom and beeswax later. The palate is firm and lively, malty with herbs, ginger, cinnamon and chocolate. The long, soft finish recalls faded roses, with lemon, grapefruit and tobacco.