Kaiyō Japanese Mizunara Oak

Review #029 Type: blended Japanese whisky Proof: 43% Comments: NAS, mizunara oak maturation, ocean-finished on a vessel at sea for up to three months Tasted after: Suntory Toki Appearance (no score): Deep gold color. Was Unable to look for legs due to an apparent water-repellent coating on the glass I was tasting with. Nose: 16/20 Vanilla, pears, and orange zest dominate. It’s also lightly floral with a hint of honey. Palate: 33/40 The mouth-feel is thin, and more floral and earthy than other whiskies I’ve tried, but not in a bad way at all. It works well with the other flavors of vanilla, angel food cake, and banana. Finish: 32/40 Medium finish with a mild ethanol burn. I get coconut, cereal, and clove spices, with the surprising ending semi-sweet flavor of bubblegum being the last to linger in my mouth. With Water: A drop of water adds some saltiness to the palate, much of the floral sensation is gone, and now I’m maybe tasting a hint of grilled pork chops on the finish? Total: 81/100 Final thoughts: This walks the line of being delicate, balanced, and easy drinking, and also complex and flavorful enough to keep my attention. Definitely unique to others I’ve previously tried. Price: $57 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Butterscotch and sweet front end with a fascinating heat and peaty taste backend

Fruity nose, light body

Definitely some brighter flavors in this one, apple/pear, charred oak, vanilla and a spicy cinnamon floral finish along with some smokiness midway. A good intro to Japanese whisky

The most pear in a Japanese whisky I've ever had. Very unique in that regard. I smell and taste a bit of honey and cinnamon. It is definitely spicy and smoky