Single Malt Miyagikyo
The Miyagikyo Single Malt hails from the Miyagikyo Distillery in Japan, renowned for its slow distillation process and innovative methods. This whisky is distilled using a combination of traditional pot stills and "giant stills," with a long (bended) line arm that ensures a particularly gentle distillation. With just 5 ppm (parts per million), the Miyagikyo has a subtle, almost invisible smoky presence that complements the flavors without dominating them. The whisky comes in at 45% ABV and does not carry an age statement, speaking to its modern yet well-structured expression.
The panel
Mean 78.5 · spread 1
Value for money 3/5
- Distillery
- Miyagikyo
- Type
- Single Malt
- Country
- Japan
- Strength
- 45% ABV
- Character
- mellow
Tasting
Nose
The first impression of the Miyagikyo is marked by a pleasant sweetness, with notes of banana and delicate vanilla. The smoky character is subtle but still noticeable, adding depth to the aroma. There's also a slightly earthy note reminiscent of potatoes—a mix of earth and peel, giving the nose a wild edge. Alongside this, malty undertones form a solid base for the aroma.
Palate
On the palate, the Miyagikyo is exceptionally creamy and smooth. The flavors unfold with a juicy, lightly fruity profile, with apple and a fine fruit sweetness standing out. There's a pleasant mix of sweet and lightly bitter tones that combine for a fascinating flavor experience. The smoky influence adds extra body to the whisky, while grain and a touch of brown sugar come through. The finish brings a slight bitterness that isn't overpowering and nicely rounds off the whisky's complexity.
Finish
The finish of the Miyagikyo is medium-length, with a mild but still present smoky character. It follows with a robust oak spice that gives the whisky structure, along with a hint of white pepper, tickling the palate and keeping the finish lively.
Verdicts
Marcel
A whisky that simply delights with its creamy sweetness and subtle smoke – perfect for relaxed evenings without any fuss. The slight earthiness gives the Miyagikyo a charming character that doesn’t come across as too polished but remains lively. For fans of a gentle yet characterful single malt, this dram is definitely worth a sip.
Sascha
The Miyagikyo impresses with its balanced blend of sweet fruit notes, gentle smokiness, and a clear, structured harmony. The subtle bitterness on the finish adds a pleasant complexity without disrupting the overall balance. A technically cleanly distilled whisky with a modern approach, it stands out especially for its precise flavor profile and fine oak spice.
What it is worth
We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Miyagikyo as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.
Latest mean bid £268 across 47 lots · 2024-08