Miyagikyo Apple Brandy Cask Finish
Miyagikyo
Tasting Notes
The Miyagikyo Apple Brandy Cask represents a heartfelt tribute to Nikka's founding couple, Masataka Taketsuru and Rita Cowan, released in 2020 to mark their 100th wedding anniversary. This innovative expression pays homage to Nikka's early days when the company produced apple juice while waiting for their first whiskies to mature. The journey begins with a rounded nose where fresh and stewed apple notes interweave with vanilla and honey, while sage and verbena add complexity, developing further with woody notes and warming spices of ginger and cinnamon. The palate presents a creamy yet vibrant experience where tropical fruits - pineapple, lychee, and kiwi - dance with sweet acacia honey. The finish unfolds with remarkable length and allure, offering a gentle touch of salt alongside herbal tea notes, while rosemary, mint, and linden tree flowers provide delicate floral dimensions. The experience concludes with lingering notes of toasted wood, including oak, cypress, and pine, creating a dram that beautifully marries Japanese whisky craftsmanship with the company's apple-producing heritage.