After their hugely successful 2017 Moscatel cask-finished single malts, released for the domestic Japanese market, and the two Rum-cask finished expressions released for the company’s Western fans, Nikka has announced two single malts finished in Manzanilla sherry casks, one from Yoichi and one from Miyagikyo. The bottles are set for release on Wednesday, September 26th.
This year hasn’t been the most exciting for the Japanese whisky category, as Suntory’s loved Hakushu 12 Year-Old and Hibiki 17 Year-Old were discontinued and few releases have been added to the category in 2018. In a very pleasant turn of events, Nikka Whisky, the second largest whisky maker in Japan, will be releasing an exciting set of single malts finished in Manzanilla sherry casks, one from each of their famed distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagikyo.
The two new expressions will launch only in Japan, like the Moscatel releases before them, with a limited allocation of 4,000 bottles each. At 48% ABV, the bottles are expected to pack a kick along with the fruity, spicy influence of the sherry. According to Nikka, the expressions rested for 18 months in the ex-Manzanilla wood. In the world of whisky maturation, Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks are used more commonly, yet in recent years, more distilleries have begun experimenting with different types of sherry, like Fino, Manzanilla, and Amontillado.
Here are the tasting notes provided by Nikka:
Yoichi Single Malt Manzanilla Wood Finish: The strong and rich Yoichi character comes together with the Manzanilla barrel, delivering notes of fruity sweetness, richness, and fragrant peat and smoke. In addition to the aromas of tropical fruits like peach and papaya, and sweet and sour notes reminiscent of shortcake, peat is also clearly evident on the nose and palate.
Miyagikyo Single Malt Manzanilla Wood Finish: The light, fruity Miyagikyo character comes together with the Manzanilla to deliver a mellow sweetness and soft bitterness on the palate. Sweet aromas of dried fruits, coconut, milk chocolate, are joined by a pleasantly bitter finish.
While the releases are meant for the domestic market, some sellers will most likely be selling the bottles online for international audiences. Keep your eyes peeled! Should Nikka take the same route as they did last year, a new set of single malts may soon be released specifically for Western markets, like 2017′s Moscatel (Japan-release) and Rum (Europe & US) single malt releases. Fingers crossed.
