Nikka Whisky has released its Miyagikyo Single Malt 10-Year-Old in the UK, distributed by premium spirits partner Speciality Brands. The whisky marks the first age-statement expression from the Miyagikyo distillery since 2016 and is available from April 2026 at selected retailers with an RRP of £149.
The launch follows the arrival of Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old in 2022. Together, the two releases represent a significant milestone in Nikka’s ongoing strategy to bring age-statement Japanese whisky back to international markets.
Bottled at 45% ABV, the Miyagikyo 10-Year-Old is described as a rare and limited release. The whisky has been developed by Nikka’s current blending team using carefully preserved stocks matured for a minimum of 10 years in the mountains of Miyagi Prefecture.
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READ THE STORYOfficial tasting notes from the brand describe layered tropical notes of pineapple and mango on the nose. The palate reveals sweet vanilla, baking spices, fruit cake, and clove, leading to a long, gently caramelized finish.
The expression also introduces updated packaging that reflects the distillery’s natural surroundings. A smaller label crafted from traditional Japanese washi paper emphasizes texture and refinement. A deep forest green color replaces the previous pink hue, evoking the environment of the Miyagikyo distillery.
Founded in 1969 by Masataka Taketsuru, Miyagikyo was created to complement the robust character of Yoichi with a softer, more delicate spirit style. Taketsuru, widely regarded as the father of Japanese whisky, had previously founded Yoichi in 1934 after studying the art of whisky-making in Scotland.
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The Miyagikyo distillery was built with modern equipment for its time. It produces a wide spectrum of flavor profiles by varying production parameters, contributing to Nikka’s blending-led philosophy.
The broader Japanese whisky category has experienced significant global demand in recent years, prompting producers including Nikka and Suntory to carefully manage aged stock inventories. Several producers discontinued age-statement expressions in the mid-2010s due to stock shortages, making the return of releases like the Miyagikyo 10-Year-Old a notable development for the category.
Nikka Whisky’s Miyagikyo Single Malt 10-Year-Old is now available in the UK market through Speciality Brands.
