The Nikka Whisky Discovery range comprised a series of whiskies released over three years, from 2021 to 2023, offering fresh interpretations of Nikka’s classic expressions. Nikka launched limited editions that focused on exploring specific components of their whiskies and their aromatic impact. The first edition delved into the influence of peat, featuring a Yoichi Non Peated (unusual for this typically peated distillery) and a Miyagikyo Peated (a departure from their usual unpeated style). The second edition, released in 2022, highlighted the role of yeasts, with both Yoichi and Miyagikyo using a different ’Aromatic’ yeast for fermentation. Finally, the last release showcased grain whiskies by combining the expertise of four distilleries, including one closed for 25 years, resulting in Nikka The Grain, a blended grain whisky using various grains from these distilleries. These whiskies were launched in anticipation of Nikka’s 90th Anniversary, which happened in 2024, and was celebrated with the Nikka Nine Decades. Today, we will review the first two releases: the Yoichi Non Peated and the Miyagikyo Peated, launched on the 28th of September 2021.
Nikka Discovery: Yoichi Non Peated (2021) Review
We begin with the Yoichi Non Peated, which came out in 2021. Yoichi Distillery typically distils peated malt, but this expression uses non-peated malt. For maturation, Yoichi employed refill, recharred and remade American oak barrels, ex-sherry casks and new American oak casks. Nikka produced 10,000 bottles of this Yoichi Non Peated at 47% ABV, slightly higher than the standard Yoichi at 45% ABV. Although not stated on the bottle, this whisky is non-chill filtered and has a natural colour. Unlike the core range, this Yoichi and the Miyagikyo below use clear glass bottles instead of the usual tinted ones to represent the ’revelation of the individuality of the distilleries’. The initial recommended price was quite high: €245/$275/£199… and ¥22,000 (around €175) in Japan… nearly five times the price of the regular core range expressions (at least in Japan)! However, I purchased it for half that price at auction.
Colour:
Burnished
Nose:
Neat: Fruity aromas of peach, pear, apricot, melon, green banana and apple appear first, followed by malt, spices (pepper, coriander, hints of turmeric), custard and notes reminiscent of Belgian triple beer. Light citrus sharpness is also present.
Palate:
Neat: The arrival offers a chewy mouthfeel. Fruity flavours return with foam bananas, lemons, plums and hints of grapefruit. Spiciness emerges with black pepper and hints of ginger, alongside some saltiness. Herbaceous notes include eucalyptus, menthol and camphor.
Finish:
Salt and lemons (but no tequila around; we‘‘’’’re not here to do shots), a nice sweet maltiness, pepper, with a nice minerality.
Comments:
This unpeated Yoichi fits well within the Nikka Discovery range, which offers new interpretations of their whiskies. It performs quite well, better than some unpeated Caol Ila expressions from the past, with a pleasant fruitiness and spiciness. The additional 2% ABV is also a positive. However, despite its quality, it does not justify the excessively high price, which seems largely inflated by the importer, LMDW.
Rating: 7/10
Nikka Discovery: Miyagikyo Peated (2021) Review
Next, we examine the Miyagikyo Peated, released simultaneously with the Yoichi Non Peated reviewed earlier. For this expression, Miyagikyo used peated malt, which is unusual for this distillery. Maturation occurred in a combination of refill, recharred and remade American oak barrels, as well as ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and virgin American oak casks. This Miyagikyo is bottled at 48% ABV, 1% higher than the Yoichi and 3% higher than the standard Miyagikyo NAS single malt from Nikka’s core range. Like the Yoichi, it is non-chill filtered and has a natural colour. The initial recommended retail price was the same: €245/$275/£199 and ¥22,000. Fortunately, similar to the Yoichi, I managed to purchase it for half the price at auction, including all fees.
Colour:
Burnished
Nose:
Neat: Light peat appears, slightly reminiscent of a farmy Ledaig or Kilchoman. Herbaceous notes dominate initially, with camphor, eucalyptus (similar to the Yoichi), coriander and salty liquorice. Fruity notes are present but lighter than in the Yoichi, with hints of lemon, overripe bananas and distant traces of durian. Vanilla and honey emerge towards the end.
Palate:
Neat: The peat becomes more noticeable on the palate, reaching a medium level but still not comparable to Islay whiskies. The peat exhibits smoky and ashy characteristics, along with herbaceous notes of thyme and matcha. Farmy notes and burnt rubber appear, reminiscent of Ledaig but in a lighter form.
Finish:
A soft pepperiness remains, accompanied by a sweet syrupy maltiness and a pleasant warmth. The finish is medium to long in duration.
Comments:
This Miyagikyo offers a new and interesting interpretation. It retains its syrupy mouthfeel, and the herbaceous notes and light saltiness work well. However, similar to the Yoichi, I recommend avoiding the retail price and, instead, looking for auctions to secure it at a significantly lower cost.