Miyagikyo Distillery

Overview of Miyagikyo

Miyagikyo Distillery is one of the two Japanese whisky distilleries owned by Nikka Whisky Distilling Co., Ltd., alongside its sister distillery, Yoichi. Founded in 1969, Miyagikyo Distillery is located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

Miyagikyo Distillery Landscape

Miyagikyo Distillery Landscape

Miyagikyo Distillery Landscape

Miyagikyo Distillery Landscape

History of Miyagikyo

The Miyagikyo Distillery, nestled in the picturesque Miyagi Prefecture of Japan, is renowned for its unique and refined whisky. Founded by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky, the distillery embodies a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Masataka Taketsuru: The Visionary Founder

Masataka Taketsuru’s journey began with his passion for whisky and a dream to create a distinct Japanese spirit. After studying the art of whisky making in Scotland, he returned to Japan with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Taketsuru’s vision was to establish a distillery that leveraged the natural beauty and resources of Japan to craft exceptional whisky.

Anecdote of Miyagikyo

Estabish In 1969, Taketsuru selected the serene location of Miyagi Prefecture
for his second distillery, following the success of Yoichi Distillery. He believed that the site’s pure water sources, high humidity, and crisp air would provide the ideal conditions for producing a softer, more elegant whisky compared to the robust character of Yoichi.

Unique Production Techniques

The distillery employs a variety of stills and production methods to create a diverse range of whiskies. Unlike Yoichi’s direct coal-fired stills, Miyagikyo uses indirect steam heating, which contributes to the smoother, lighter flavor profile of its whiskies. This innovative approach, combined with traditional craftsmanship, results in a harmonious balance of flavors and aromas.

Legacy and Influence

Under Taketsuru’s guidance, Miyagikyo Distillery quickly gained acclaim for its exceptional quality. His legacy continues to influence the distillery’s operations, ensuring that each bottle of Miyagikyo whisky reflects his dedication to excellence and his pioneering spirit. The distillery remains a testament to Taketsuru’s dream and a cornerstone of Japanese whisky heritage.

Continued Excellence

Today, Miyagikyo Distillery stands as a symbol of Japanese whisky’s global reputation. It continues to produce award-winning whiskies that delight connoisseurs and enthusiasts around the world. The distillery’s commitment to quality, innovation, and respect for tradition ensures that it remains at the forefront of the whisky industry.

Production process of Myagikyo

Miyagikyo Distillery is known for producing a whisky with a softer and more delicate profile compared to the more robust and peaty whiskies produced at Yoichi Distillery.

Miyagikyo Stills

This difference in style is attributed to several factors, including the distillery’s use of less peated malt, its pot stills, which are larger and have a different shape than those at Yoichi, and the distillation process that Miyagikyo employs.

Coffey stills

The distillery houses both pot stills and Coffey stills (continuous stills named after Aeneas Coffey). The Coffey stills are particularly noteworthy because they are used to produce grain whisky, which plays a crucial role in Nikka’s blended whiskies. Nikka Coffey Malt and Nikka Coffey Grain are among the popular products distilled using these stills.

Copper Stills

Copper Stills

Miyagiyo Casks

Miyagiyo Cask

Aroma of miyagikyo

 The aroma of Miyagikyo Distillery whiskies weaves a delicate tapestry of freshness and complexity, featuring a harmonious blend of ripe fruits, floral bouquets, and a hint of sherry sweetness, underlined by a whisper of peat smoke and a rich, malty undertone, inviting connoisseurs to a serene journey through its verdant, riverside origins.

Aroma of Miyagikyo Distillery

Others 

Visitor Experience:

Miyagikyo Distillery offers tours and tastings, allowing visitors to explore the distillery, learn about the whisky-making process, and sample various Nikka whiskies. The distillery experience is designed to educate visitors on the history of Nikka and the intricacies of whisky production./

Food Environment of Miyagikyo

The meal designed to pair with the spirits of Miyagikyo Distillery has been visualized, highlighting dishes that complement the distillery’s smooth and fruity whisky character. The setting reflects the distillery’s serene environment, creating a tranquil and refined dining experience that brings out the whisky’s unique flavors.