Japan, Miyagi. Distillery operational. Owner: Nikka Whisky Distilling (Asahi)The younger sister of the legendary Yoichi distillery, Miyagikyo is the second distillery of the Nikka Whisky Distilling company, which was founded in 1934 (Dai Nippon Kaju Kabushiki Kaisha) by Masataka Taketsuru. The distillery was completed in 1969 on the main island of Honshu, in the Miyagi Prefecture and distilled its first malt in the same year. Futuristic and resolutely modern, it is home to several Coffey stills for the production of grain whisky, as well as the malt whisky used in the group's blends. More niche than its older sister, the versatility of Miyagikyo's character nonetheless makes it an appealing malt. It ranges from a soft, floral and fruity register to the more woody, spicy and sometimes smoky aromas commonly found in Yoichi.

A Miyagikyo with no age statement finished in apple brandy casks in a nod to Nikka’’s early days, when it sold apple juice before it could make whisky. The group still produces an apple brandy, including a 30 year old named Rita after Masataka Taketsuru’’s wife. In recent years, Nikka has released various versions of its two single malts, with finishes in rum, sherry and bourbon casks. This edition was released in 2020 to celebrate Rita and Masataka Taketsuru’’s 20th wedding anniversary.