The standard-bearer (with black label) carries no formal name other than Kaiyo Whisky. As noted, it is NAS spirit, aged in mizunara oak, non-chill filtered. The nose is immediately heavy with apples, settling down as the initial rush of fruit blows off to show some youth on the nose — slightly gummy, with a slightly dusty, lingering sandalwood note. The palate is more expressive and quite interesting, a bit fruity at first before layering in notes of green olive, beef jerky, and vanilla all on top of one another. The finish is chewy, sweeter than it would let on, and with a slightly vegetal undertone, reminiscent of Japanese pickles, and lots of black tea flavors.
