Kaiyō Japanese Mizunara Oak Cask Strength

Peppery, then smooths out into that espresso/nutty space with a hint of salt, and some lingering pepper

Zippy.

After 300+ reviews, it isn’t every day I get to check a new box. And while I’ve already tackled 2 other Kaiyo expressions, this has the unique honor of being my first cask strength Japanese whiskey. The other two were solid. Let’s see what their uncut juice has to offer. Nose: Creamy custard and sandalwood. Vanilla and honey. Nectarine. Cucumber and agave. Pumpkin spice. Walnut. Banana bread. Ginger snap. One of the better noses I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Palate: Caramel and vanilla. Gala apple. Ginger snap. Agave. Honey. Sandalwood. Custard. Orange citrus. Butterscotch. Honeydew. Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and an oak note. Finish: Sandalwood, agave, and Gala apple. Dried apricot and brown sugar. Ginger snap. Orange/orange peel. Clove, nutmeg, black pepper, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and oak. Long finish. I’ve always liked Kaiyo. They’ve done a great job of selecting their whiskies. But this blows everything they’ve ever attempted out of the water. In fact, I will confidently say this the best Japanese whiskey I’ve ever had. At $90, this is a fantastic value. Kaiyo is easily the most accessible Japanese whiskey brand. That statement accounts for availability and affordability. Couple that with unparalleled quality and a stalwart 53% ABV and you’ve got yourself a top shelf whiskey.

Similar to the 7 year, but more dark red fruit flavors mixed with the smoke. Raspberries and blackberries. But still like a bottle left by a camp fire all night.