Kaiyō Japanese Mizunara Oak

Ethanol heavy for 42 percent, very strong flavor, woody and smoky, saccharine. Slightly briny

Delicious Smokey taste. It reminds me of the richer wood taste of a Scotch. This was my first Japanese Whiskey and am very excited for it. I enjoyed this with three ice cubes.

After airing for some minutes: aromas of vanilla, banana, Nilla wafers with a touch of coconut, and pineapple dipped in alcohol, rise from the glass. The palate is likewise fruity with a dry finish of rafter oak. The initial mouthfeel resembles a scotch up to mid-palate, but then followed by a dry finish often found in higher-ABV bourbons. A 60/40 ratio for a very hearty mouthfeel, nonetheless. The flavor likewise is very much in the scotch court, but the complexity also reminds me of a well done Irish whiskey. The Mizunara oak maturation certainly imparts a unique flavor profile. This is Japanese whisky done right. At a price point of $60-75, however, this NAS faces strong competition –- and it can be polarizing. To be honest, I agree with Ben from Whisky.com. You pay a premium for J-whisky because of the quality they ensure with their near-religious control of production amid a stock shortage. This, however, is just such a tasty dram. Thank you @JonWilkinson7309, as always, for the sample. I may have discovered my first J-whisky purchase. My Rating Glossary: Two Stars: "I'd rather be drinking lite beer." Two 1/2 Stars: "Posh rubbish." Three Stars: "I love whisk(e)y. This is average love." Three 1/2 Stars: "May buy again." Four Stars: "I've got to get you into my life." Four 1/2 Stars: "Better than drugs." Five Stars: "Life is good. Whisky makes it better."

A good Japanese Whisky alternative for the expensive and hard to find Nikka or Suntory Whiskies. The peated and Sherri type are more expensive.

Slight ethanol smell, but also notes of some green fruits. Tasted oily and rich, somewhat buttery notes with hints of vanilla, spices and sweet-floral finish. Very enjoyable, would buy a bottle for my collection. Thanks Proctor!