Nose: Complex, with notes of toast, dry peat and twigs. On aeration, the peat becomes more intense, almost animal-like. Exotic fruits (passion fruit, mango) and fresh figs add substance and verve to the aromatic palette.
Mouth: Dynamic, exotic, honeyed (lime blossom) and floral (hyacinth). The mid-palate is deeply rooted (ginseng, gentian), highlighting an extremely saline and refreshing minerality.
Finish: Long and balanced. Peat with chocolate, vanilla and spicy (saffron) accents takes center stage. Intensely, it invites us to savor a delicious plain pound cake. Scents of Havana, wildflowers and black licorice.
Absolutely remarkable, this Miyagikyo follows in the footsteps of some rare peaty single casks bottled in the past at natural proof. More to the point, it showcases a peat that's very present when it needs to be, but also more discreet at other key tasting moments. Among other charms, we'll note a fruity vitality, a diaphanous smoke and an exhilarating sweetness.
Masataka Taketsuru, chose a valley in Miyagi prefecture as the site for his second distillery and began operations in 1969. He aimed to create a complete contrast between the two distilleries, Miyagikyo and Yoichi, with different natural environments and production methods.
Mouth: Honeyed sweetness, candied orange peel, white chocolate.
Finish: Subtle, tender and long, with a hint of Mizunara (Japanese oak).
Nose: Complex, with notes of toast, dry peat and twigs. On aeration, the peat becomes more intense, almost animal-like. Exotic fruits (passion fruit, mango) and fresh figs add substance and verve to the aromatic palette.
Mouth: Dynamic, exotic, honeyed (lime blossom) and floral (hyacinth). The mid-palate is deeply rooted (ginseng, gentian), highlighting an extremely saline and refreshing minerality.
Finish: Long and balanced. Peat with chocolate, vanilla and spicy (saffron) accents takes center stage. Intensely, it invites us to savor a delicious plain pound cake. Scents of Havana, wildflowers and black licorice.