Kaiyō The Peated First Edition

I have to admit that I don’t know how to review or score this. I tasted it as part of an advent calendar put together by a peated islay loving friend. So on first and second taste the only question I had is, what wood did they use to finish this islay so it’s so damn sweet and buttery? The reveal only deepened the mystery given the incomplete and somewhat obtuse story surrounding this malt. The peat and malt do indeed seem to be from islay which explains some of the tasting notes. Then ok it took a sea voyage, thus the salty notes. But that sweet, buttery texture is screaming a special wood finish. Thought maybe white dessert wine. But the wood I couldn’t place. Guess I’ve never had mizunara. I’d like to try it again. I think it comes together rather well and in a unique way. I need to spend some time with a bottle to see if this rating is too high. But I really enjoyed the sample. It’s the most unique scotch I’ve had in awhile.

Salty, peaty, briney, Bacon, and bbq meats. All very balanced, though. Body is very buttery! So creamy it almost makes me think it's an Irish, but the nose says Islay. Finish is very nice, long and smooth with a bit of spice. This is one I definitely want a bottle of.

Nose: iodine, wood and a sweet BBQ note Taste: pear, peat and smoke Finish: sweet, dry and long finish Wow, surprised at the complex flavors and nuanced levels. Sweet BBQ throughout, great whisky. Need to try more aged in mizunara oak.

Notes of orange. Plenty of sweetness to balance the smoke. Very easy-drinking, but it doesn’t seem complex enough to warrant a second round.

Light, light peat. Butterscotch sweetness. Thick viscous mouth feel. Mizunara oak spice lingers. Nice but nothing remarkable for me. With a name that means ocean I was hoping for some more brine notes but none to be found for me. This and the cask strength are the only two of the lineup that I really like but for the price I'm not so sure.

Wow is the one word I’d use to describe this one. Smooth peat on the tongue with a very pleasant smokiness. Very full mouth feel with a back taste that’s darn near perfect. Just enough heat to make you come back for more. Great idea Tang. An excellent pick.