The Miyagikyo is Nikka's second distillery, having opened up in Sendai in 1969. Miyagikyo's different natural environment, and the use of steam heat distillation, as opposed to coal, results in a malt whisky with a different character from that of Yoichi. Consequently, whiskies from the distillery are known to be distinctively mild and fruity compared to the more powerful taste of Yoichi. The Miyagikyo 15 Years is possibly the best example of the great work of this distillery, featuring a full and mature hint, with an essence of cacao nuts. Famed whisky expert, Jim Murray, awarded it an outstanding 92 out of 100, making it a world class whisky.