Kaiyo 'The Kuri Chestnut' Whisky Japan
Aromas: Beautiful floral notes, including lavender with a note of jasmine,
Palate: Medium bodied, citrus flavors with a touches of mint
Finish: Very good length and balance, soft with a citrus note on the end
The newest arrival of whisky from our neighbors across the Pacific is an exploration into the magic of Mizunara oak. Casks coopered from Mizunara are legendary in the spirits world for their rarity as well as the unique sandalwood spice they impart on a finished whisky. Kaiy? is a new brand that operates somewhat like a negociant bottler in the wine industry. They source whisky from unnamed distilleries and mature the distillate in beautiful Mizunara casks from the Ariake cooperage. This type of oak is very expensive and notoriously difficult to work with. The wood is soft and porous, and many expressions of whisky aged in them have sold for well over $1000 per bottle.