Kaiyō Japanese Mizunara Oak

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!

I’ve been making a concerted effort to try more Japanese whisky. This makes for my 4th review, and the first I’ve done of a spirit aged in Mizunara Oak. I know these guys source, but unlike many, they source from within Japan, as opposed to Scotland. Nose: Sandalwood, saltwater taffy, bubblegum. Apple, orange, pear, banana, and vanilla. Coconut. Cucumber as well. Sort of a ginger ale note. Very sweet. Oak as well, but markedly different from what I’m used to. It’s lighter, more subtle. Palate: Very floral. Still getting the cucumber. Vanilla, toffee, and malt. Shortbread cookie that reminds me of an Irish. Big time bubblegum, Macadamia nut. Some caramel in the background. The apple, pear, and banana carry over. Green bell pepper on the mid-palate. Once again, green, grassy, and floral. Subtle oak. Delicious. Finish: Bell pepper and malty notes carry over from the palate. Plenty of spice. Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon. Definitely the spiciest part of the experience, maybe even a bit hot. Moderate-long finish. Solid value here. Continually impressed with the Japanese product. Doesn’t boast the powerhouses that Scotch offers, but the few I’ve reviewed so far have been able to keep the pace of mid-level Scotch expressions. What Japanese whisky lacks in age, it makes up for in uniqueness and complexity. This is a fine example of both. 4/5 for this. Looking forward to trying more Mizunara Oak expressions because I think that’s a large part of the appeal here. It’s a step outside the boundaries for whisky as I’ve known it, and I like what I’ve discovered. If you’re looking to get into Japanese whisky, this should be one of the first few you try. Great representative.

My favorite Japanese so far. Almost oily buttery on the pallet with a feel similar to a lightly peated scotch. Tastes of butterscotch on the tongue. Good feel and taste. Lingering medium heat that’s heavier than a good scotch but still very enjoyable. Thanks Steve for sharing. I’d buy a pour of this one.

Taste Smoky with dried fruit.