The production process of Kaiyō whiskey begins with the sourcing of barrels from Japanese distilleries. These barrels can contain both aged and unaged whisky, providing Kaiyō with a range of expressions to work with. The company then transports these barrels to their facility in Hong Kong, where they undergo a unique maturation process.
One distinctive feature of Kaiyō whiskey is its use of the sea for maturation. The barrels are placed on ships and allowed to mature while they voyage across the oceans. This technique, known as “sea maturation,” takes advantage of the constantly changing atmospheric conditions, temperature fluctuations, and gentle rocking of the waves, which can influence the aging process.
The exposure to the sea air throughout the journey imparts a distinct character to the whisky. The interaction between the wood and the elements adds complexity and depth to the final product. This process is reminiscent of the historical practice of transporting whisky barrels by sea, which was common during the golden age of whisky trade.
Once the barrels have completed their sea voyage, they are brought back to Hong Kong for further maturation in a controlled environment. This additional period of aging allows the whisky to harmonize and develop its unique flavor profile. It is during this stage that the expertise of the Kaiyō team comes into play as they carefully monitor and assess the whisky's progress.
After the desired level of maturation is achieved, the whisky is then bottled under the Kaiyō label. Each bottle represents the culmination of the sourcing, maturation, and craftsmanship of the Kaiyō team. The result is a whisky that showcases the influence of both Japanese distilleries and the sea, resulting in a distinctive and flavorful expression.
Kaiyō whiskey is from Hong Kong and is produced by Kaiyō Whisky, an independent bottler. They source barrels of aged or unaged whisky from Japanese distilleries and mature them using a unique sea maturation process. The final product is a testament to the expertise and passion of the Kaiyō team, showcasing the influence of both the Japanese whisky tradition and the sea's character.