The entire lineup of Kaiyo Japanese Whisky is aged in Mizunara Oak casks and aged at sea. This gives each expression a rich wood and marine flavor profile, and a great start to some great whisky lineup!
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Asian whisky brands are becoming increasingly popular, Nikka whisky and Kavalan whiskey being two examples. Hence, new brands are looking for ways to stand out in the crowd.
For Kaiyo whisky, that means aging their entire lineup in Japanese Mizunara oak casks. Working with Mizunara oak trees make these casks to produce since the tree has to be at least 200 years old and has not curved in shape (as they tend to do).
There are other hindrances as well, but the benefit are that Mizunara oak casks imparts a strong sweet and spicy woodiness to the whisky. When allowed to age, the strong wood influence is mellowed somewhat, imparting its luxurious quality to the whisky.
Aging whisky at sea
Kaiyo means "ocean" in Japanese. There's a reason they've added that name.
Kaiyo Japanese whisky is taken aboard ships to age at sea for about three months. The jostling from the waves, along with air pressure and temperature variations, insure that each drop of whisky comes into contact with the Mizunara Oak.
You can believe that this Japanese whisky lineup shines, as all the positive awards and ratings they've received will attest.
What does Kaiyo Whisky taste like?
In general, the Mizunara Oak lends notes of tropical fruits and sandalwood to the whisky. Other distilleries use Mizunara Oak to finish their whisky, like Chevas Regal.
Add in some other types of preparations and finishes (peat or Madiera, anyone?), and now you've got a whole other spectrum of flavors to play with.
The chart below displays the broad range of flavors you can find from Kaiyo Mizunara Oak Japanese Whisky lineup.
Kaiyo Japanese Whisky
At Gordon's DTX, presented by Jay Cole, February 12, 2020
Kaiyo Whisky - The Signature
43%ABV, NAS (8 to 10yrs), 100% malted barley
Type: Japanese
Keywords: Japanese Whisky, Mizunara Oak Cask Finished, Whisky
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Strong sawdust, mango, pineapple underneath, ocean breezes
- Taste: Thick body, sandalwood and orchard fruit, vanilla
- Finish: Baking spices rise up
Comments
Thick and fruity.
Kaiyo Whisky - The Cask Strength
53%ABV, 100% malted barley
Type: Japanese
Keywords: Cask Strength, Japanese Whisky, Mizunara Oak Cask Finished, Whisky
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Sandalwood, red berries, grilled pineapple, salty air
- Taste: Thick body, red currants, cedar, cloves, caramel hard candy
- Finish: Lingers on the wood notes
Comments
Doesn’t drink like cask strength - it's quite approachable.
Kaiyo Whisky - The Single 7 year
48%ABV, 100% malted barley
Type: Japanese
Keywords: Bourbon Cask Finish, Japanese Whisky, Mizunara Oak Cask Finished, Whisky
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Freshly sawed pine, bananas, popcorn
- Taste: Medium body, all wood, grilled pineapple
- Finish: Sawed pines notes come back and hang on with honey syrup
Comments
Strong, sweet flavors, with the wood notes adding depth.
Kaiyo Whisky - The Peated
46%ABV, Peated to 100% 35ppm with peated malted barley from Islay
Type: Japanese
Keywords: Islay, Japanese Whisky, Madeira Cask Finish, Mizunara Oak Cask Finished, Peated, Whisky
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Peat under cedar, bbq sauce
- Taste: Medium body, light ocean peat smoke dominates, sawdust underneath with ripe pears
- Finish: Cold campfire ash hangs on
Comments
The peat dominates all else, but the other flavors do peek out.
Final thoughts
All these expressions from Kaiyo Whisky have a lot going for them, and it's hard to choose which one is the best. Why don't you grab a bottle and be the judge!
I hope you like this review! If you've tried any of the expressions and have your own tasting notes, please leave a comment. Thanks!
Slainté! L’chaim! Cheers!
- Tammy
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