Kaiyō Whisky is a distinctive Japanese whisky house known for its rare use of Mizunara oak and its pioneering sea-maturation technique. Under the guidance of Master Blender Jeffrey Karlovitch, a Keeper of the Quaich and one of the whisky world’s most refined palates, Kaiyō crafts small batches of whisky aged in handmade Mizunara casks, some of the most precious and difficult-to-work-with barrels in the world. Once matured on land, the casks embark on a voyage at sea, where the dynamic conditions of movement, temperature fluctuations, and air pressure variations coax even greater complexity from the oak. The result is a whisky unlike any other, rich, layered, and deeply expressive of both wood and wave.
The Signature is the flagship expression: a non-chill-filtered, Mizunara-matured Japanese whisky bottled at 43% ABV, designed to highlight the exotic charm and creamy elegance that Mizunara oak imparts.
In the glass, it shows a rich golden hue, gleaming with purity. The nose is delicately perfumed with aromas of toasted coconut, sandalwood, ripe peach, and soft vanilla, laced with subtle notes of incense, ginger, and fresh citrus peel – a hallmark of Mizunara oak.
On the palate, it opens with a silken texture and refined balance. Flavours of honeycomb, baked apple, and almond toffee unfold gracefully, followed by layers of orange blossom, green tea, and a whisper of white pepper. The mouthfeel is supple and elegant, with a creamy, almost waxy finish lifted by a gentle wave of spice and oak tannin. As it lingers, notes of dried apricot, cedar, and nutmeg emerge, leaving a lasting impression of delicacy and depth.
