Using the two Coffey stills at the Miyagikyo distillery, which were imported from Scotland to Japan in 1963, Nikka have produced a number of single cask single grain whiskies from time to time over the years. This, however, is their larger release of wonderfully exotic grain whisky. Now in a 70cl bottle! Hooray!
Bourbon-like vanilla and corn notes with a herbal hint of chamomile.
Sweet, fruity flavours of melon, grapefruit and thick syrup, balanced by crunchy biscuits and fresh vanilla.
The corn notes, sweet and vibrant, last on the finish.
Fans of grain whisky should be pretty happy with this, as well as bourbon lovers.
One of the most unusual and intriguing whiskies out there... But oh so good! It was a favorite at a recent tasting I hosted. Beginners and connoisseurs alike loved the harmony of the smells and flavours of this. The tasting notes from the chaps on this site are spot on to give you a good idea. Fantastic buy!
The Japanese whiskies I had tasted never satisfied me (i.e. Hibiki 18, Miyagikyo 10). But I was really impressed by this one. It's a bit like the King Car Conductor but less overpowering sweetness, bourbon influences but more herbal and with a Fino-feeling/taste to it. I usually drink sherrybombs but this one may become a standard bottle in my collection.
I bought a sample of this after trying Compass Box Hedonism and being impressed, as I'd never tried grain whisky before. It's nothing like Hedonism, but is very delicious, like a fine bourbon with hints of vanilla and toffee. I prefer this to Nikka From The Barrel, which is also very good, but this seems much smoother. Highly recommended.
Had this at a small bar in San Francisco last business trip. Really enjoyed it. I'm new to whisk(e)y and previously enjoyed bourbons much more. This reminds me of a nice mellow, very smooth bourbon. I drink mine with a nice whisky ice cube that slowly melts and as it adds a little water to the whisky, it really opens up. Definitely one of my smoother drinking Japanese whisky experiences. Price is also quite reasonable with good availability for a Japanese whisky.
I tasted this one this Christmas and I love it. It did three things to me, the same things that a good single malt, a 20 year old port and a smooth cognac do, but all at once ... dark, light and then thick with a memory sweet, all rolled into one? Mind you I usually drink the highland stuff and peated to the core, this isn't that, but this is rather good.
