Kaiyo Whisky is owned by a company called Kaiyo Spirits. The mastermind behind this distillery is Jeff Karlovitch, a highly experienced master blender with a wealth of knowledge in the whisky industry. He has previously worked for the parent company of Bunnahabhain, a renowned Scotch whisky distillery, and has also been involved in blending whisky for Lost Distillery's recreations.
I find it fascinating that Jeff Karlovitch has created Kaiyo Whisky, as his expertise and experience in blending whiskies from different distilleries is evident in the unique flavor profiles of Kaiyo's expressions. The distillery takes a distinct approach to maturation, which sets it apart from traditional whisky producers.
One of the standout features of Kaiyo Whisky is their use of Mizunara oak casks for maturation. Mizunara oak is a type of oak native to Japan and is known for imparting distinct flavors and aromas to whiskies. This wood is highly prized but also challenging to work with, as it is porous and can lead to higher evaporation rates. However, it is these characteristics that contribute to the unique flavor profile of Kaiyo Whisky.
Kaiyo Whisky sources its whisky from various distilleries around the world. The whisky is then transported to Japan, where it undergoes a secondary maturation in Mizunara oak casks. This additional aging period in Mizunara casks allows the whisky to take on the characteristics of this wood, resulting in a truly unique and complex flavor profile.
I had the opportunity to try Kaiyo Whisky recently, and I was blown away by the depth of flavors and the complexity of the whisky. The Mizunara oak influence was prominent, with notes of sandalwood, incense, and exotic spices intermingling with the rich and fruity character of the base whisky.
The ownership of Kaiyo Whisky by Kaiyo Spirits allows for the distillery to have creative freedom in sourcing and maturing their whisky. Jeff Karlovitch's expertise in blending and his knowledge of different whisky styles undoubtedly play a significant role in the creation of Kaiyo Whisky's expressions.
Kaiyo Whisky is an exciting and innovative distillery, pushing the boundaries of traditional whisky production. The combination of sourcing whisky from various distilleries and the use of Mizunara oak casks for maturation results in a truly unique and exceptional whisky experience.