Whisky Review: Miyagikyo Single Malt Japanese Whisky + Important Update!

[@vertokz2443]

My friend, who has no idea about Whisky got me this for my Birthday. I am still a noob and didn't really like it that much at first. But it really grew on me and now i love it. By far my favourite out of the few Whiskys i've tried.

[@CreepyTaco]

I really like this change. I have found myself watching reviews less and less because it isn't relatable. Early on it was awesome to be able to drink along, or even at the liquor store scan your videos and see if there was something that I want to try. Donation day sounds like a great happy medium.

[@byrdman360]

Great to hear of this new direction. The main reason I started following you guys so closely, apart from shenanigans and the handsomeness of you two gentleman of course, was that I could easily run out and grab a bottle of the whiskey to try. Seeing so much localized variation is awesome, but it is really nice to see more “familiar faces”. Cheers!

[@legalvices]

I really appreciate that the MB comments are listened to, acknowledged, AND acted upon. Look forward to the changes.

[@RobWVideo]

On my last trip to Japan I took the time to catch the train from Sendai into the mountains to visit this distillery at Miyagikyo. Bought three bottles at the distillery shop and I jealously guard them when company comes over. Well worth your time if you're ever in the country.

[@shilohstore6086]

My opinions are blessed by this channel and would be completely lost without them!

[@garrettjanssen7683]

I don't know if this was mentioned but Nikka's grain whisky source is actually Miyagikyo which has both pot stills and Coffey column stills (hence the Nikka Coffey Malt and Grain products). Nikka also own Ben Nevis in Scotland and not so secretly add it into their blends. As for Suntory, Chita Distillery focuses exclusively on grain. Hakushu is actually a massive distillery that for quite some time had half the site closed down because demand for whisky was bad. I imagine Hakushu is running at full throttle now, though I've no word either way. I'm fortunate to have had the Japanese malts of yesteryear and they certainly earned their reputation. But, for me, Japanese whisky has dipped in quality while skyrocketing in price. Hakushu 12, once a favorite, was thoroughly unpleasant with my last encounter. Yamazaki 12 pushes $125 by me which is a ridiculous proposition given other options. Hibiki Harmony is a hollowed shell of the 12yr. The best Japanese whisky I've had so far was Nikka's Yoichi 12yr which was never available in the US. It was "Have a spare pair of pants" good.

[@evenflowcss]

Oh man, what a coincidence! My dad got this for his birthday a few days ago. Now, I not only get to mooch on this whisky, but mooch on this whisky with an informed opinion in the back of my mind. Great job, guys!

[@joshheadley4941]

I agree the "spring" here in Alabama lasts about a whole 2 minutes and goes straight to summer, the same is true for fall and we get a short winter than more summer.

[@matthewjund3355]

Really glad you guys are going back to the widespread stuff! I love the shenanigans in every episode but the reviews themselves had become less useful because it had been so obscure.

[@Terry12345]

Donation day is a magnificent idea! Thank you so much!

[@WhiskyCardinalWes]

I can actually pick this up in a store just down the street from me here in Memphis! Donation days sound like a good way of clearing out a large volume of unicorn labels. Nice boom at the end, wonder what that was about...........

[@Terry12345]

Hi Wes, what store in Memphis are getting this at? I would love to try it. Thanks

[@WhiskyCardinalWes]

Buster's for $75.

[@Terry12345]

Thanks friend!

[@wingracer1614]

I can get it here in Florida for $75 as well. Might have to try a bottle.

[@charlierw123]

You as excited as me for old Dominick's

[@chrisharasym3731]

I appreciate the change of format guys! I’m watching from up here in Ontario, Canada and it’s impossible to find a lot of the whiskeys you talk about. I’m looking forward to drinking with you again soon!

[@DragonPilot]

I scored! I just returned from my first trip to Japan and HAD to bring back a bottle of single malt. And I choose, purely accidentally, the Miyagikyo! I spent most of my time in Tokyo, and being new to the area had a real hard time finding what we would refer to as a liquor store. Everyone of the ones I went to did not have many Japanese whiskies...tons of Scottish single malts and various American liquor brands. Finally I discovered a large grocery store (Life) in the Meguro district. They stocked the Suntory Chita, and both the Nikka Yoichi and the Miyagikyo. Unfortunately...or perhaps fortunately...they were out of the Yoichi, BUT they had the Miyagikyo! And it made it safely back to the USA triple packed in wool socks, my wool scarf, and a t-shirt in the center of my checked bag. I failed to do my homework and did not do any tastings of any Japanese single malts, and honestly, getting a Japanese single malt was not even on my radar until I just happened to see it on the drink menu of our hotel lounge.

[@bobbylyver4834]

Love the idea of a day for rare or local whiskeys while the day to day reviews are more available.

[@adrielayala6733]

You guys nailed the taste profile on this whiskey. Tastes just like sweet butter followed by that smokiness. Really enjoyed the video and the knowledge you shared.

[@henryprater703]

Good plan, looking forward to the changes!

[@MsM-kh9xg]

No prob with the update, I know if I were to send in something, it would just be to see you guys trying a whiskey that I really enjoy which is cool enough regardless of the amount of time you spend on it

[@StarScream0722]

Great idea on the update. I wasn't watching less videos, (if we only wanted reviews and not shenanigans, there's ralfy) but it is nice to know distribution will be a consideration in your reviews. Thank you

[@PanPanPotato]

Please review Nikka Taketsuru NAS and Taketsuru 17/21/25 Please!!!! Love it so much.

[@brandondavis6365]

Great decision guys. While I found it difficult to criticize the “donations move to the front of the line” policy, the show had become a bit too craft oriented lately. Of course I still watched for your joint cemetery and the shenanigans, but a big part of my joy in watching came from seeing a positive review, making a mental note, picking a bottle up, and rewatching with my own tasting notes. Anyway keep up the good work and I hope the distillery makes you two an absolute buttload of cash.

[@acelee632]

I didn’t mind the craft whiskies but it’s true they are quite inaccessible and heavily bourbon focused. I wouldn’t have minded hearing about some “craft” scotches or other whiskies.

[@ngkos17]

Finally! Thank you! Living in Indonesia and relying on mostly duty free stuff to stock my whiskies, it's about time you guys actually notice that the whiskies that you reviewed lately are not quite available internationally. Maybe you should do some sort of a duty free episode?

[@timsoreno]

I just bought it today, for the first time. And yes, it IS good. Real good. I bought the last bottle in the store, and I was told that it's going to probably cost much more the next time it's in.

[@FiairFlair]

This is definitely the right move. It has been great to see some obscure whisk(e)ys, but in Australia there isn't much chance of buying them. It's the accessible vs the unique, and a donation day means we get to see both. I like when I get both.

[@coreyclark6505]

Found a bottle of this while on a trip to Indianapolis this week after never seeing one before. Still not as widely available as the coffee malt by Nikka.

[@MichaelHercus]

Thanks for the great review and even more thanks for the format change...looking forward to it!

[@juquiria671]

Yoichi is a town. The island is Hokkaido. The Miyagikyo is one of my Favs!!! Woot woot!

[@BelfryHex]

Once a week donation whisky day is a great compromise. It's still interesting to see all of the obscure whiskeys out there, even if we're out of reach from 99% of them. It can come in handy if any of us are on road trips - we'll know what to stock up on.

[@streetspirit6787]

Just Got a friend to buy me a bottle he is in Japan rn, and I CAN NOT WAIT to taste it!

[@bryanlushbough659]

Great idea guys! I have missed getting excited to go to pick up a recently reviewed whiskey.

[@willhenryshortterms]

The little setup at the end was better than ALL of The Last Jedi

[@Isfrael]

On one hand this is amazing news because they'll finally start reviewing whiskies I can buy in my area. On the other hand, I'm going to lose a lot of money buying all these great whiskies they review that are available in my area.

[@KSXIYo]

Penderyn Celt uses casks that previously held Laphroaig, I believe. The Celt is pretty young so the casks gives it most of its character.

[@f50marco]

I like the update guys! Makes sense. Sucks a bit for people who donated recently but in the good nature of the channel i think this smart idea. I am looking forward to more reviews on whiskey i can actually get myself.

[@juquiria671]

It’s all preference , but I agree with Daniel. The. Miyagikyo is better than the Yoichi. I haven’t had a dram of Miyagikyo in over 6 months. Thanks for the motivation guys!

[@RusstleDeeJimmie]

Just picked this up the other day. Ive always wanted to try some Japanese whisky and this is just fantastic. Not harsh at all. Can definitely taste the sweetness. Super smooth. But where I live its $85 so its a once in a while grab. But I'll definitely be grabbing another bottle of this.

[@crashmasta]

Hey! I was wondering if y'all have ever tried blue spirit? It is a blended whisky from lake chelan Washington. It was very smooth and one of my favorite ones!

[@matthewmorin7016]

Cliffhanger... dun dun dunnnnn....

[@hakoneriksen6845]

holy shit you're almost at 100 000 subscribers! any big plans brewing? how about a video showing off your all-time top 5 whiskies based purely on taste? cheers guys

[@johnhughes2058]

Second? Enjoying the lovely texas "spring"? What do you guys choose to drink with that texas brisket?

[@johnhughes2058]

By the way will this be a means to catch up on the donations? If you can finally catch up, what route will the channel take?

[@theflannelfisherman8329]

If your goal is to eventually review every whiskey in the vault, and you keep getting more and more, then I say the more you can get into one video the better. I see what you guys are doing ;)

[@bingoknows]

Oh my ...the WHISKEY EAGLE has landed! Can't wait for the next episode!

[@blond-diver9998]

Good call. So how restrictive is buying alcohol online??

[@Nasse83]

Yet we are still missing reviews for Ardmore Legacy and Laphroaig 10.

[@thomaselmer9728]

I would have sworn they did Laphroaig 10, but you are correct. They have done comparisons once with Laphroaig Lore, and once with Springbank 12, but never a complete on 10 by it's self.

[@matheusgloria77]

Gospel

[@RyanErland]

They're also missing anything from Glenlivet which is widely available, but I've seen it in the background on the shelf!

[@olethanatos8173]

Whisk[e]y for thought, perhaps this is a great time to expand and bring on another member or two? Maybe it is time to consider adding a 2nd shift? Cheers.

[@WhiskyJason1]

I can live with your decisions - keep those videos coming!

[@PrestigeLiquidsWW]

Hey guys. I would like to know. If you make an unpeated whisky in a whisky barrel that contained a peated whisky. Would that whisky then become a peated whisky?

[@greenley77]

Thank the MB's for their donations on the Social Media(s)

[@MichaelHercus]

Question on peat: what part of the distilling process causes the distinct difference between a heavy peat smell (Laphroig) vs a depth of peat flavor (Bowmore, Oban)? Or put another way, since the peat in Laphroig plays such a heavy role, why is the taste more fruity and not as peat-saturated as something like Bowmore?

[@Teddy_koh]

Always enjoying your work! Will be sure to buy some japanese whiskies when I go to okinawa in july :)

[@BelfryHex]

Pfft, you can get Whisky anywhere in Japan - If you're going to Okinawa, you should buy some Habushu (ハブ酒)!

[@Teddy_koh]

I've heard that habushu and awamori are quite a thing in okinawa but haven't had any before.. I'll be sure to try some thanks :)

[@BelfryHex]

I've never been to Okinawa, but I've heard it can be an expensive thing (if you want the whole bottle). I think a full bottle can be 10,000 yen to 100,000 yen, but good luck even if you just have one drink!

[@Teddy_koh]

Habushu is actually illegal to bring back to korea as it literally has the snake in it :( but now that you've hyped me to it, I gotta try at least a drink!

[@BelfryHex]

David koh Oh no! Well, I think it would be creepy to keep a jarred dead snake around for a long period of time, so maybe it's best to stick to whisky and just a sample of habushu, but let us know how the habushu is if you end up drinking some!

[@TheBradWhittington]

So I expect to see a review of the French Bellevoye Triple Malt I brought to the tower two months ago since it's available at Total Wine. And also that other funky think I bought that I don't remember the name of now. Ha! And you totally need to do an episode on Sir Edward Smokey for those on a budget. $19.95 for 1.5 liters is a steal! ;-)

[@kahless0173]

I just picked this up yesterday to remember my 12yo great dane i lost on wednesday. heres to getting caught up on donations guys.

[@1ERock31]

Have they reviewed Nikka from the Barrell?

[@westieclo]

Rex is rockin the Miles O'Keeffe from Sword of the Valiant look

[@rayniercharafardin4805]

Love it...got a bottle a few weeks ago.

[@matheusgloria77]

Yes please. I’ve been looking out for episodes of whiskies I have tried myself or something I can get in the 4 places I shop for scotch. All I’ve been seeing are American craft stuff I don’t even think I’ll get to try in this lifetime.

[@ericschwab409]

Please review Sparkle Donkey Reposado as soon as possible! My crazy neighbor says it’s “Mexican Whiskey” and he assures me he’s never been wrong in his life. Thanks!

[@MoeRam]

that is a brilliant update, ive found myself watching less and less of the review because of relevance to me EDIT: CHADDD IF THEY ADDED A DASH OF WATER, CAN WE SEE IT SO WE KNOW THAT THEY DID!

[@Qsterling1]

Man I’m really digging these cool educational videos, well done!

[@blujthewombat]

I think you boys should try out hellyers road or Sullivan's cove if you haven't already. Might be hard to find in your neck of the woods though. Between $90-$400 aud just fyi

[@carsonprice5368]

Rex’s new haircut has upgraded him from whiskey mooch to whiskey Jesus

[@gasssgusss]

Great idea! You should review Nikka From the barrel aswell

[@sachinsangrola]

If you guys are reading this, can you review an Indian malt called Rampur? Cheers!

[@FantomMind]

You need to review Usquaebach Old Rare next! Please?

[@AussieDownUnder]

Have you boys reviewed any Australian whiskey?

[@jljy1]

HI DAN! And... Rex... ;p If I were to get 1 or 2 japanese whiskeys, taking into account I sway towards the friendlier sweeter whiskeys, what would you recommend? Really interested in the miyagikyo.

[@charlieghague]

Since you're limiting the reviews for donations, are you gonna bring the request list back? Seems like it got to a point where that went to the wayside bc every review was from a donation. I think it'd be nice for people who can't donate to be able to have a whiskey reviewed.

[@jameslipps1917]

Hey guys, what dollar range would get you a a desired bottle that would then be reviewed on the channel ? I won't not watch but would love to give you the coin to buy something you want to try and review.

[@acelee632]

btw just to clarify, Yoichi is a city in the northernmost island of Japan: Hokkaido

[@thatsgoodgb]

Let's be honest, Rex on a good day can already ask to compare (*cough mooch cough*) 4 whiskies to the one already poured.. I'm all for Donation Day, in particular if there's a waiting list of 6 months! Cheers!

[@RooFlanderz82]

you guys should try Highspire if you haven’t already

[@raymondmota2776]

Rex and Daniel man can you guys get a hold of a bottle of Redbreast Dream Cask? 32 year old whiskey that would be most glorious. Have an awesome week

[@BigT857]

Will the donation day video be longer to accommodate a real review of all the donation whiskeys in that video?

[@WhiskeyTribe]

it'll be a review of the main notes. we won't pretend to pick out nuances when we're doing multiple whiskeys in less than 20 minutes. previous whiskeys will usually effect the taste too much to accurately pick out subtle flavors. if something is exceptionally good / interesting, we'll set it aside for a more focused review at a later date.

[@redgrif51]

Sounds like good things are coming. Donation Day is a great idea. Perhaps a multi-day stretch to clear out some of the backlog. (Shot on different days, of course. ;-) )

[@randymoore9388]

Uh oh, sounds like the Whiskey Spirits are up to some new shenanigans!

[@Charlie-km7sj]

宮城峽 is really good !!

[@arserio13]

Great. Whiskey we might be able to buy.

[@shootatsquare]

I'd lovw to see you guys eventually do sullivans cove from tasmania Australia. It's been oretty ravely reviewed, but is damn hard to get because of our stupid taxation laws

[@sickchuy4205]

Have they done an episode on Vat 69?

[@charlieghague]

I think I remember you guys saying you liked the Yoichi better when you did the PewDiePie review. Has that changed?

[@BelfryHex]

Everything has changed. Rex will be the Bear Sommelier, and Daniel will be the Eagle Mooch.

[@adambrown8109]

I like the idea of donation day. I would suggest you go through multiple donations and/or attempt to re-produce good donations using more mainstream whiskey.

[@skyless7304]

Ok, this video is epic❤❤. Awesome whisky!!! Need buy

[@Operationicecube]

I have a Japanese friend who loves shortcuts. His name is レクス, read Rekusu. (Ok, I lied. That's just the Japanese spelling and pronunciation for Rex.)

[@TheSpider23232323]

Gun to your heads, Yoichi or miyagikyo? I need to know which one to get

[@michaelslager5386]

Looking forward to the return of the channel. Thanks, and remember #BottomShelfMatters! :)

[@acelee632]

I’m going to send you guys a special Yoichi bottle. I hope you guys take the time to review it and hope Daniel changes his opinion about Yoichi!

[@the-chillian]

I was greatly disappointed that the J. Carver rye and bourbon you reviewed the other day seems to be unavailable outside Minnesota. This is only partly because I'd want to try it myself. There's a professional poker player named Jason Somerville who is well-known as an online poker streamer and commentator. He now hosts a twice a year low-stakes poker tournament series in Reno, and it would have been fun to bring a couple of bottles of this whiskey along. Not that he's a great whiskey drinker, although I'm sure I could find others happy to sample them, but because the screen name he's used ever since the online poker boom of the early 2000s was "J. Carver", and this is what many people now call him in real life too.

[@adamschoedel8829]

Thanks you, guys. You've responded to something I was concerned with. Don't get me wrong. I like watching you guys no matter what you're reviewing. But as a viewer living in Japan, I was getting kind of bored with the craft bourbon reviews you've done lately. I'd love to try them, but it's just not going to happen. As for the Miyagikyo, I think you guys nailed the tasting notes (fruity, fruity. fruity). It's like what Glenmorangie 10 would be if it took some steroids and hit the gym.

[@420sthedaytopray]

That ending scared the piss out of me.

[@rafael17264]

lol same.. :d

[@albenjammin]

Love this idea.

[@jaychung6622]

Great whisky-centric review as always (or most times, ok some times 😂) and love the cliffhanger/teaser of some spirit driven things to come! Personally, while I do enjoy it a lot, I rate the Miyagikyo behind both the Yoichi & the Pure Malt. But I’d love any of them & enjoy all three far more than either of the Nikka Coffee line.

[@patmcdermott8547]

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?

[@bryanclaerhout1772]

Soooooo Daniel, did you know Rex and Chad have conspired and have made your name smaller than Rex's at the intro?

[@ericbailey6779]

I think what they are saying is we should flood them with donations until the vault shakes with the fury of a giant eagle.

[@Sarafinq]

Good decision imo

[@thomasbuck303]

Yes we all know the story Daniel!

[@TGrabs22]

Proper update! I approve

[@wildernessman760]

Look how shiney Daniel's head got after he wiped the sweat away.

[@olds98123]

One of these days, I need to try a Japanese whisky 🥃

[@KillCoMentalMusings]

I've been meaning to send a whisky but I wasn't sure you two would really like it... I didn't want to sort of force an entire episode is my thought process just for donating a bottle. However I am more inclined to send a local spirit to you now just so you can give it a taste and add it to the vault. Also... what has angered the whisky spirits?! O_O