Kaiyō Japanese Mizunara Oak

Review #029 Type: blended Japanese whisky Proof: 43% Comments: No Age Statement, matured in Mizunara oak, finished at sea for up to three months on a vessel. Tasted after: Suntory Toki Appearance (no score): Deep gold color. Was unable to observe legs due to what seemed like a water-repellent coating on the tasting glass. Nose: 16/20 Vanilla, pears, and orange zest are dominant. It also has a light floral character with a hint of honey. Palate: 33/40 The mouthfeel is thin, and it's more floral and earthy than other whiskies I've encountered, but not in an unpleasant way. It complements the other flavors of vanilla, angel food cake, and banana well. Finish: 32/40 Medium finish with a mild ethanol burn. I detect coconut, cereal, and clove spices, with the surprising final semi-sweet flavor of bubblegum being the last to linger. With Water: A drop of water introduces some saltiness to the palate, much of the floral sensation disappears, and now I might be tasting a hint of grilled pork chops on the finish? Total: 81/100 Final thoughts: This strikes a balance between being delicate, well-rounded, and easy to drink, while also being complex and flavorful enough to hold my interest. It's certainly unique compared to others I've tried before. Price: $57 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

A review of this whiskey began with a tangent about a certain animated show, and how the main character's quest to balance the world mirrored the goals of Japanese whisky. The author noted that this particular bottling successfully achieved that balance. The flavors were harmonious, including sandalwood and spice from the mizunara oak, vanilla, earthy smoke, lemon peel, and light fruit. A finish of cereal grains lingered. The only criticism was a slightly short finish and a desire for a richer mouthfeel, with the author joking about needing to try the cask strength version next. The author also praised the price, calling it a great value at around $50, especially when compared to more expensive Japanese whiskies, and recommended trying it if possible.

Kaiyō Mizunara Oak presents a fossilized amber hue with notable clarity in the glass. The aroma is distinct yet gentle, offering floral notes, hints of aged leather, and incense, evoking a cool breeze through a fruit orchard. Sweet notes of orange are present. The palate expands on this aromatic impression, with initial tastes of peaches and tangerines. Toasted coconut, sea salt, and more tannic oak and acorn notes follow. The incense aroma remains a pleasant background note, subtle rather than pronounced. The finish is surprising – complex, wonderful, and striking. It has a kick but fades with a very gradual warmth. This is the only aspect of the Kaiyō I might describe as harsh. A few drops of cool water enhance the orchard fruit, making the mouth water with its juiciness. With less tannin and increased smoothness, mellower oak notes emerge, replacing the astringency. The finish becomes calmer with water, akin to a tranquil, sunny day by the ocean. Nevertheless, the slow warmth continues, wave after wave, eventually concluding with a sultry, floral aftertaste. Kaiyō introduces me to the novel experience of mizunara-aged whisky. I've genuinely enjoyed this bottle. However, its complex finish arrives perhaps prematurely. Whether this harshness stems from the whisky itself, the mizunara aging process, or a combination, I'm uncertain.

Nose: Wood, but piney wood. Vanilla extract, varnish, pencil shavings. Lightly floral, orange peel from a retailer is present. Could be the tiniest bit of salt. Palate: Not as sweet as anticipated. Interesting green tea characteristic, feels very slightly tannic somehow. Really not getting as much sweetness as others but more sharp herbal notes, like consuming a pine needle. Any fruitiness is like soft lime, and get a bit of vanilla. Actually reminds me of the lime/dill/gin combination of gimlets at a restaurant. Finish: Didn’t find it to be incredibly long, but kind of agree with the mango note from a retailer somehow. Herbal tannic characteristic as well. Overall: will probably remember this for the piney tannic vegetal notes more than anything else. A bit thin for me but interesting which is a big plus.

A potent Japanese Mizunara Oak Whisky, skillfully crafted by Master Blender Jeff Karlovitch, a seasoned whisky expert from Bunnahabhain. This spirit undergoes double distillation and double maturation at sea for several years before being bottled at 86 Proof. It presents an aromatic beginning with notes of honey, wood, subtle fresh grass, apple, and vanilla. Its complex journey introduces spices, fruits, smoke, berries, and citrus, culminating in a bold, oily finish of moderate length. June 2020 / April 2021 / August 2022

Very pale in color, resembling white wine. Might benefit from additional aging. A uniquely interesting dram from beginning to end. The aroma is an unusual mix of buttery and herbal. The taste doesn't quite match the smell: a savory start followed by a short salt/spice finish that isn't exactly like peat. Despite my unusual description, I genuinely enjoy it. It's unlike anything else I've experienced.