Miyagikyo

Japan / Miyagi · Founded 1969

Nikka's second distillery, where two rivers meet. Steam-heated stills give a fragrant, soft spirit.

History & character

Founded in 1969 by Masataka Taketsuru as Nikka's second distillery (originally the Sendai distillery), where the Hirose and Nikkawa rivers meet in Sendai, Miyagi. He wanted spirit with a different character from Yoichi's to create complex blends.

Malt is distilled with indirect steam heating (about 130°C), giving smooth, elegant spirit. It also houses the old-style Coffey stills Taketsuru introduced in 1963, used for Coffey Grain and Coffey Malt.

It is run by Nikka Whisky, part of the Asahi group.