Kaiyo 'The Kuri' Chestnut Japanese Whisky

Introduction

Kaiyo "The Kuri" No. 1 is a pioneering Japanese malt whisky that explores the rare use of Japanese Chestnut (Kuri) wood for maturation. Part of the distillery’s "Ariake Wood Collection," this expression is crafted from 100% malted barley. It is aged for seven years in first-fill Kuri barrels before undergoing the brand’s signature three-month ocean maturation voyage. This "ocean aging" subjects the barrels to constant movement and fluctuating temperatures, which enhances the interaction between the spirit and the unique chestnut wood, resulting in a profile that is distinctly softer and sweeter than traditional oak-aged whiskies.

Whisky Description

This whisky presents a bright amber-gold colour with faint chestnut hues. The nose is exceptionally vibrant and creamy, offering a bouquet of orange zest, lime juice, and white pear, underpinned by floral notes of lavender and a hint of eucalyptus. On the palate, the texture is luxuriously silky, delivering a complex array of flavours including vanilla shortbread, honey, persimmon, and kiwi. The Kuri wood imparts a delicate nuttiness and warming spices like clove and ground ginger without the heavy tannins associated with oak. The finish is long and refined, leaving a lingering sweetness of ripe raspberry and a gentle, incense-like woody warmth. It is bottled un-chill filtered at 46% ABV.