Kaiyō The Single Mizunara Oak Finish

Kaiyo has by and large been a solid Japanese whisky brand for me, and so fair pricing, seems to be the one I frequent the most. This was the least expensive Kaiyo purchase I’ve made yet, though, interestingly, it’s the only one with an age statement. Not that it means the majority of the juice in some of the bottlings couldn’t be older, but with Japanese distillers/bottlers providing the absolute bare minimum information about their products, I’ll probably never know. Anyway, on to The Single. Nose: Honey, toffee, and vanilla. Apple and orange. Sugar cookie. White pepper and oak. Palate: Golden raisin, pear, and apricot start us off. Plum, date, and fig accompany. A slice of of apple. Heavy on the malt and toffee. Sugar cookie. A Vanilla and caramel as well. Coffee. Toasted almond and walnut. Light oak. Finish: White grape and golden raisin. Caramel, vanilla, and toffee. Coffee. White pepper and oak. Moderate to short length. Definitely the least remarkable offering from Kaiyo. I always thought the black label, Mizunura Oak (they’re all aged-in it, but that is called the Mizunura Oak I believe,) was the entry-level Kaiyo offering, but I suppose this one can take that mantle. It’s very simple. I almost thought I may be getting sick due to Joan difficult it was to pick up notes on the nose. Fortunately, the taste provided a little more pop than the nose indicated. Some decent flavor, although still fairly tame. A very clean pour though. I had this at a 3.25, but at $55, I’m expecting a little bit more character. Spend the extra $5 and skip this one for the black label—unless you’re a completionist. It’s a fine whisky, just a bit disappointing when compared to the rest of their lineup. 3.0/5.

I have had good luck with Japanese whiskeys. This is a “single malt” that has been aged for at least 7 yrs and un-chill filtered. Not sure of the standard but the resulting scotch is a delicious one! The mizunara finish is very noticeable with the sandalwood/coconut creaminess that is on top of a very good malt whiskey. It’s flavorful, with depth in layers, savory and ocean-y note, sweet and a bit bright as well. It’s quite nice. There is a very distinguishing noun-toasted peanut flavor that is in both nose and taste, quite unique.

I've enjoyed this bottle quite a bit. The mizunara really does add a lot of uniqueness. Vanilla sweetness, butterscotch, spice, and incense on the nose. Body is smooth and creamy, with the flavors really expanding in your mouth. Tannins on the finish. Would buy again.

I was less than dazzled by this one. Light in color, it has a sharpie pungent nose, and isn’t as smooth as some of my favorites, like the Nikka Coffey Grain.

First Blush: Shining gold Nose: oily tree bark, sap, stained deck Palete: charcuterie board of dried fruits on a marble slab Finish: jam on buttered bread

Light vanilla and hay in the beginning, some spice. Someone earlier said fabric softener and now I can’t get it out of my head. Not my fav