I visited the Nikka Miyagikyo Distillery at noon today. It was a great experience! The distillery is hidden in the forest valley outside Sendai. The red brick buildings are matched with swans on the small lake, and the environment is as beautiful as a painting. The free guided tour takes one hour. From malt drying to distillation workshop, the strong caramel aroma and oak barrel aroma are overwhelming. In the warehouse, you can also compare the smell of original wines of different years - five years of fresh fruity aroma, twelve years of mellow to the top.
The best part is the tasting session! Three cups of sincerity: the sweet and sour apple cider is as smooth as juice, and it is more refreshing with soda water; Super Nikka blended whiskey has a bit of smokiness, suitable for ice; the finale of Miyagikyo single malt is full of fruity aroma, warm and not spicy, and I instantly understand why it can become a signature. The tour guide also kindly gave a note of drinking tips, full marks for details!
Before leaving, I found that the price of the limited edition was only 1/3 of the market price, so I stocked up two bottles decisively. The only regret is that the transportation is a bit troublesome. You have to wait for the shuttle bus (only available on weekends) after taking the JR from Sendai to Sakunami Station. It is recommended to drive or carpool. Overall, even if you are not a drunkard, you will be impressed by the historical sense and natural atmosphere here. Mr. Taketsuru has a sharp eye for site selection!