Nikka Miyagikyo 17 yo (1987/2005), Single Cask #89698, 62.0%

Introduction

Nikka Miyagikyo 17 Year Old Single Cask #89698 is a remarkable expression from one of Japan’s most revered whisky producers, showcasing the distinctive style that helped establish Japanese whisky’s global reputation for excellence and precision.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Premium malted barley selected specifically for Miyagikyo’s signature style, with pure water sourced from the Nikkawa river flowing through the mountainous Miyagi region
• Distillation process: Distilled in Miyagikyo’s copper pot stills which are larger than typical Japanese stills, creating a lighter, more elegant spirit character
• Maturation: Aged for a full 17 years in a single cask (#89698) under the careful supervision of Nikka’s master blenders, allowing for unique cask-specific characteristics to develop
• Special techniques: Bottled at natural cask strength of 62.0% without chill filtration to preserve the whisky’s full depth of character and complexity

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Intense fruity notes of ripe pear and apple, balanced with honey sweetness, vanilla, and subtle oak influence. Underpinned by distinctive Japanese whisky characteristics of sandalwood and light incense
• Palate: Rich and powerful with the high ABV delivering concentrated flavors of tropical fruits, caramelized sugar, and toasted oak. Complex layers reveal spiced honey, dried fruits, and delicate floral notes characteristic of Miyagikyo’s refined distillate
• Finish: Exceptionally long and warming with persistent spice, dried fruit, and oak tannins. The high strength creates a lingering intensity that evolves with subtle changes between sweet, spicy and dry elements

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped nosing glass or Glencairn
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of still water to release additional complexity. Given its high ABV, adding water gradually allows exploration of evolving flavor profiles
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with sea salt, aged hard cheeses, or traditional Japanese dishes featuring umami flavors such as miso-glazed fish

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 62.0% ABV
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Japan, Miyagi Prefecture
• Certifications/Awards: While specific awards for this single cask are not universally documented, Nikka Miyagikyo expressions regularly receive recognition at the World Whisky Awards and International Spirits Challenge

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This Miyagikyo 17 Year Old Single Cask represents an exceptional moment in time, capturing the essence of Japanese whisky craftsmanship at its zenith during a pivotal period in Nikka’s history.

As a single cask bottling from 1987, this is an inherently limited expression that cannot be replicated, with each bottle representing an increasingly rare piece of Japanese whisky heritage.

Distilled under the guidance of Nikka’s master craftsmen, this bottling carries the authority of one of Japan’s most respected whisky producers, known for their uncompromising standards and attention to detail.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Discerning collectors and whisky enthusiasts worldwide seek out these rare single cask Miyagikyo expressions, acknowledging their significance in the evolution of premium Japanese whisky.

Dedicated whisky connoisseurs who invest in bottles of this caliber often find themselves part of an exclusive community committed to preserving and celebrating the golden era of Japanese whisky production.

The consistent appreciation for these historical bottlings among critics and collectors has established them as benchmark expressions that define the highest echelon of Japanese whisky excellence.

From Nikka’s Historic Distillery to You

By selecting this Miyagikyo 17 Year Old, you’re receiving a gift from the past – a liquid time capsule that represents nearly two decades of patient maturation and centuries of whisky-making tradition.

The approachable yet complex character of this Miyagikyo expression embodies the Japanese philosophy of harmonious balance, creating an experience that resonates with both newcomers and seasoned whisky enthusiasts alike.

Joining the ranks of those who appreciate such rare Japanese single malts connects you to a global community of whisky appreciators who understand that these bottles represent not just a spirit, but an irreplaceable piece of distilling history.