Only days after the most exciting and wonderful announcement of the year by Suntory, introducing the new Yamazaki 18 Mizunara Edition 2017, Nikka has officially announced the releases of several new single malts.

Of course, we expected no less from the two largest whisky companies in Japan. The competition between them is fierce and is said to be the driving force that has made Japanese whisky quality so famed across the globe today.

A few weeks ago, news on the new Yoichi and Miyagikyo Moscatel finish single malts was leaked, but now its official and the above have been announced alongside two rum-finished expressions, which no one had heard about.

Yoichi & Miyagikyo Moscatel Wood Finish Single Malts

These two beauties have been announced exclusively for the Japanese market, to be released on September 26^th. From only 3,500 bottles of each expression, 500 will be available for retail, and the rest will be distributed to Nikka customer bars and establishments across Japan.

Both whiskies spent their last year of maturation in Moscatel wine casks, a type of Portuguese fortified wine made from muscat grapes.

With the Yoichi release, the peaty character and muscat grapes have created a canvas of smoke, honey, and tropical fruit. The Miyagikyo’s fruitiness, on the other hand, has been enforced by the Moscatel, delivering an abundance of summer fruits, oak, and grapes.

While both releases are exclusive to Japan, we have both products available for pre-order, for all our thirsty fans across the globe.

Here you go:

Yoichi Single Malt Moscatel Finish

Miyagikyo Single Malt Moscatel Finish

Yoichi & Miyagikyo Rum Wood Finish Single Malts

For fans of the tropical influence of rum, Nikka has also announced two rum-finished Yoichi and Miyagikyo single malts.

A total of 3,500 bottles of each expression will be released, so needless to say, stock will go quick. The bottles will be available from November 2017.

Caramel and orange chocolate meet the Yoichi smoke and powerful oak, while the Miyagikyo’s playful, fruity character is enhanced and complimented by the sweet rum base imparted from the wood.

Keep your eyes open for pre-orders for both by the end of the week.

So far, the end of 2017 keeps on giving, and whisky fans the world over are probably waiting on the edge of their seats for other, unexpected but delightful surprises to come by year’s end.

Did you hear about the new Chichibu IPA Cask release? So much Japanese whisky, too little time.

One thing is for sure, Christmas will be extra special this year!