A cask strength variant of Kaiyo Whisky, a Japanese teaspooned malt which has endured a maturation in mizunara casks - known for being expensive though difficult for coopers to work with. These whiskies also spend part of their maturation at sea, as to help develop their flavour profiles.
Spiced oak, fresh lemongrass and orange oil.
Peppery at first, though soon enough wafts of buttery pastry, clove and espresso develop.
Lingering peppercorn heat and a whisper of caraway.
Did this really win Japanese Whisky of the year and if so how? Even the more lesser blends of Suntory and Nikka blow this away. Found it spirity, pithy and sappy with a sort of salted rice pudding and yellow plum led palate with almost Gin like aromatic botanicals. I was glad of only a 3cl sample and would be gutted to have paid even half of the asking price.
I saw this won best Japanese Whisky of the Year. I have to say I was blown away. I don't know if I like the 43% better or this cask strength version. both my new favorite.
The nose: burnt barley overpowers the nose; The palette: it feels like a 10 year old generic speyside with hints of salt; The finish: hollow, typical of a yound speyside, but with hints of burnt barley.
Was: £150.00Now: £125.00
