Kaiyo The Rubi

I truly appreciate Kaiyo. Finding interesting, special Japanese whisky for under $300 is challenging nowadays, and Kaiyo is willing to take risks. Description from the web: "Matured for 3 years in Japanese Mizunara oak barrels. Underwent 3 months of ocean maturation. Aged for an additional 7 years in Mizunara. Finished for the last 4 months in first-fill ex-Ruby port pipes." It's an intriguing combination that, in my opinion, works well. It offers candied orange and milk chocolate upon arrival, with a moderately long finish featuring wood spice. I would consider purchasing it again, though it's not inexpensive. However, considering the current prices of Japanese whiskies, it's all relative.

The aroma features chocolate and caramel, with a touch of port. The taste delivers milk chocolate and a hint of vanilla. The finish is marked by a robust mizunara oak spice that gradually fades. The texture is full. Both the aroma and the finish are clearly the highlights of this spirit, with the finish being a remarkable example of mizunara's influence.

Smoky and mellow.