To celebrate the lunar new year, we are opening a bottle of KAIYō Whisky, a really fine Japanese whisky made with a unique process.

Kaiyō Means Ocean
Kaiyō whisky is matured in the finest Japanese Mizunara oak casks. These casks are handmade due to Mizunara oak’s delicate wood grain. They are among the rarest casks in the world and are considered the finest in which to mature whisky. After years of maturing our casks go on a final maturation at sea voyage for up to 3 months, leaving from Osaka Japan.

What makes mizunara oak distinct from European oak and White oak is that it enjoys a unique sweet and spicy flavor profile which can be attributed to the oak lactones ratio and high level of vanilla. Aromas evoked from the mizunara oak are kara, a type of oriental incense, sandalwood, and coconut.

During the sea voyage maturation, factors including the motion of the seas’ waves, temperature changes, and variations of weather and air pressure all contribute to the whisky’s aging effect. This produces an intricately exquisite finish to Kaiyō whisky.

Tasting Notes
Kaiyō 43% Delicate nose with vanilla, ripe dried fruit, and hints of cherry, with a long lingering finish.

Kaiyō Mizunara oak will change your world.
Gary Clark, Japanese Whisky Handbook