The conventional understanding of Nikka’s two distilleries is that Yoichi whiskies are smoky while Miyagikyo expressions are light and fruity. Here Nikka disrupts that thinking in a marriage of peat smoke with all that Miyagikyo has to offer. The nose starts with lemon, apricot, and poached pear as the smoke gently emerges. The palate offers vanilla, caramel, and a layered subtle peat smoke that is positively ethereal. There is lots more to explore: If Nikka hoped to break the mold and venture into new spaces, it has succeeded admirably with this masterpiece. —David Fleming