Whisky: Miyagikyo Peated Nikka Discovery 2021 Edition

Country/Region: Japan

ABV: 48%

Cask: Oak

Age: N/A (Bottled 2021)

---

Nose: Mellow and mild, wispy smoke, dry grass, tamarind and ginger, red bean, mossy and stone-like minerals at times.

Palate: Medium to light-bodied, peppery spirit, effervescent ginger, dry vegetation, butter pastries and fried dough, red bean, kinako, ginger.

Finish: Medium-length with a gentle sweetness, earthy ginger, and wispy smoke.

---

Score: 6 (78)

Mental Image: Late Season Bon Festival

Narrative & Notes: Mellow and mild, wispy smoke blew in with dry grass and subtle tamarind. Ginger, kinako, and red bean left me thinking about sweet pancakes and stuffed mochi. Almost mossy at times with hints of something mineral and stone-like, something along the lines of a quiet bubbling pond. Medium to light-bodied on the palate, the flavors were much the same with a dash of peppery spirit that gave an almost effervescent quality to some of the ginger and citrus.  More ginger beer and sarsaparilla combined with wispy smoke and dry vegetation— buttery memories of late summer pastries lingered further in with red bean, kinako, and ginger.  The finish was medium-length with a gentle sweetness, earthy ginger, and wispy smoke.

This was a fascinating diversion from the typical Miyagikyo— more like a fusion of Yoichi with Miyagikyo. The flavors were varied, and the mild, spirited quality provided a lively effervescent element— almost like a ginger beer or palate cleanser. However, I am not a fan of red bean, apologies to those who love it, and this somehow tickled my palate in a similar manner. In isolation, I enjoyed elements of the whisky, but never fell in love with the flavors; so your mileage may vary (if taiyaki stuffed with anko sounds appealing, you may find more to love).

Overall, a fun whisky— even a good whisky, and I enjoyed it a little more each time I sat with it. I would happily accept a pour again, but I would not go out of my way for it.  I would love to try a cask strength version.