Kaiyo 8 Years The Ramu Limited Edition Japanese Whiskey
Kaiyo 8 Years The Ramu Limited Edition Japanese Whiskey unites Japan and the Caribbean: "Ramu" is Japanese for "rum." This Wood Library Series pure malt spent six years in new Japanese Mizunara oak (including three months of ocean maturation at sea) followed by two years in JM Rhum Agricole barrels from Martinique. Bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof), un-chillfiltered, in 700mL, it pairs Mizunara spice and sandalwood with the grassy, herbal character of agricole rhum. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 46% (92 proof) — un-chillfiltered
- Size: 700mL
- Age: 8 years — 6 years new Mizunara oak (incl. 3 months at sea) + 2 years JM Rhum Agricole cask finish (Martinique)
- Origin: Osaka, Japan — 100% malted barley, crafted by Kaiyō Trg Ltd., master blender Jeffrey Karlovitch
- Series: Wood Library Series, late-2023 tranche (with The Unicorn and The Rye)
- Style: the lighter, more delicate of the tranche — tropical sweetness meets robust Mizunara oakiness
Where Mizunara Meets Martinique
After its sea voyage and six years in Mizunara, the whisky rests two years in barrels that held JM Rhum Agricole — Martinique's cane-juice rum — layering tropical sweetness over the oak's sandalwood and spice. Reviewers call it the lighter, more delicate sibling of the late-2023 Wood Library tranche, with the grassier, herbal side of rhum agricole playing against Mizunara warmth. Explore Japanese whisky or the Kaiyo range at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Per bottle copy: "Complex & Unique — Tropical Fruit & Sweet Oak." Nose — crisp malt, golden raisins, ripe tropical fruit and sweet oak (also vanilla frosting, incense, citrus peel). Palate — toasted-oak richness, melon, rum-soaked raisins, honey, citrus zest, custard and soft baking spice. Finish — sandalwood, oak spice and citrus honey.
How to Enjoy
Neat to follow the Mizunara-to-rhum arc in the glass. A natural crossover pour for rum drinkers curious about Japanese whisky — and vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Ramu" mean?
It's the Japanese word for "rum" — this edition is finished in rum casks.
Which rum casks were used?
JM Rhum Agricole barrels from Martinique, for two years after six years in Mizunara.
What is the ABV?
46% ABV (92 proof) per the bottle claim.
How does it differ from The Unicorn?
The Ramu is 8 years old with a rum-cask finish; The Unicorn is 10 years old with five years in old bourbon barrels.
Japanese whisky, Caribbean soul — get Kaiyo The Ramu 8 Year Old delivered from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.