Announcing: Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt 10 Years Old

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, July 13, 2026 – Today, Nikka Whisky announces the launch of Miyagikyo Single Malt 10 Years Old, the flagship single malt from the Miyagikyo Distillery, Nikka’s second distillery built in 1969 (45% ABV; 700 mL; $174.99 SRP; 1,572 bottles available nationwide). Marking the first age-statement Miyagikyo expression released since 2015, the highly anticipated launch represents a significant milestone in the brand's ongoing journey of craftsmanship, innovation and renewal.

A Decade of Resilience and Innovation

Over the past decade, Nikka Whisky has navigated unprecedented challenges, including the suspension of many age-statement whiskies in 2015 due to a shortage of mature stock. Despite these constraints, Nikka Whisky continued to showcase its pioneering spirit through a series of distinctive non-age-statement releases of Yoichi and Miyagikyo single malts. In 2022, Nikka Whisky launched the Yoichi Single Malt 10 Years Old, celebrating the designation of Yoichi Distillery as one of Japan’s “Important Cultural Properties” in 2021. Now, the introduction of Miyagikyo Single Malt 10 Years Old marks another major step forward for the continued return of age-statement expressions to Nikka Whisky’s portfolio.

In Pursuit of Greater Refinement and Elegance

The reintroduction of Miyagikyo Single Malt 10 Years Old is crafted by Nikka Whisky’s current blending team, using carefully reserved whisky batches to ensure consistency and quality for future releases. Building upon the signature characteristics of the Miyagikyo range—its apple-like fruitiness and silky mouthfeel—the expression offers enhanced citrus notes derived from ester-rich whisky batches. Gentle wood accents and delicate vanilla nuances are achieved by using remade casks as the core, with subtle influence of sherry casks and new American oak. The result is a refined, beautifully matured whisky that embodies sophistication and elegance.

New Packaging Inspired by Nature

Alongside its new flavor profile, Miyagikyo Single Malt 10 Years Old debuts with refreshed packaging that reflects both its craftsmanship and origins. A smaller label made from Japanese craft washi paper, made from the long fibers of certain plants, highlights the whisky’s refined character and rich texture, while its delicate beige color conveys maturation. The most notable change is the key color, moving from the deep rose color symbolizing the sherry cask characteristics of Miyagikyo single malt to a deep forest green to reinforce the beauty of the natural environment surrounding the Miyagikyo Distillery.

In parallel, Yoichi Single Malt 10 Years Old will also receive a design update beginning with the 2026 production batch. The refreshed packaging adopts the same label format as Miyagikyo and features traditional Japanese indigo blue as its signature color, symbolizing the sea that surrounds Yoichi Distillery.

“With the 10-year-old expression, we wanted to reveal a new dimension of Miyagikyo’s signature character,” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky Education, Global PR Leader. “The result reflects both a decade of maturation and our vision for Miyagikyo’s future – honoring the distillery’s heritage while showcasing the confidence and craftsmanship of a new generation.”

Miyagikyo Single Malt 10 Years Old Tasting Notes

$174.99 SRP, 1,572 bottles available nationwide

Aroma: Fruity aroma reminiscent of apples and citrus, complemented by a subtle sweet vanilla note developed through maturation.

Taste: A rich and well-balanced flavor, where the sweetness of malt harmonizes with the taste of ripe fruits.

Finish: Pleasant aftertaste, gently sweet and slightly bitter finish.

“For longtime fans of Nikka Whisky, the return of Miyagikyo with an age-statement is a continuation of a story that has been decades in the making,” says Brian Radics, CMO of Hotaling & Co. “We’re proud to help bring such a significant moment for Nikka to consumers across the United States.”

Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt 10 Years Old will be available in select markets beginning this month.