Kaiyo 10 Years The Unicorn Limited Edition Japanese Whiskey
Kaiyo 10 Years The Unicorn Limited Edition Japanese Whiskey is part of Kaiyo's Wood Library Series — a 10-year-old pure malt Japanese whisky from Osaka built around Mizunara oak and an ocean voyage. Its journey: three years in new Japanese Mizunara oak, three months of ocean maturation at sea in Mizunara casks, two more years in new Mizunara, then five years in rare old bourbon barrels — roughly five years of Mizunara and five of bourbon wood. Bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof), un-chillfiltered, in 700mL. Just 2,460 bottles were produced. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 46% (92 proof) — un-chillfiltered
- Size: 700mL
- Age: 10 years — ~5 years new Mizunara oak + 5 years old bourbon barrels ("wet char" process), incl. 3 months ocean maturation at sea
- Origin: Osaka, Japan — 100% malted barley, crafted by Kaiyō Trg Ltd., master blender Jeffrey Karlovitch
- Rarity: only 2,460 bottles; Wood Library Series, late-2023 tranche
- Importer: 375 Park Avenue Spirits (US)
The Unicorn's Journey Through Wood and Water
"Kaiyo" means ocean — and the whisky takes the name literally, sailing from Osaka for up to three months a voyage, motion and temperature working the spirit against the wood. The wet-char treatment of the old bourbon barrels amplifies wood influence, while the Mizunara — Japan's prized, slow-growing oak — brings its signature sandalwood and incense character. The name reflects the edition's mythical rarity: bottle copy speaks of a "magical, otherworldly whisky" with a high-tannin backbone of toasted nutmeg and charred-oak honey. Explore Japanese whisky or the Kaiyo range at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Per bottle copy: "Pioneering & Rare — Clove, Vanilla & Nutty." Nose — sandalwood, white flowers, coconut and charred oak. Palate — creamy vanilla, toasted almond, light citrus and bourbon sweetness. Finish — long, elegant and warm, with lingering Mizunara spice and whisky-soaked dried fruits.
How to Enjoy
Neat, at room temperature, to catch the Mizunara incense and coconut. A collector's pour — but one that earns it in the glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes "The Unicorn" special?
It's a Wood Library Series release of just 2,460 bottles, aged 10 years across Mizunara oak and old bourbon barrels with three months of ocean maturation at sea.
What is the ABV?
46% ABV (92 proof).
Is it 700mL or 750mL?
Most sources and the store's listing say 700mL.
What does "wet char" mean?
Master blender Jeffrey Karlovitch's process of treating old bourbon barrels to amplify their wood influence on the whisky.
One of the rarest Japanese whiskies of its vintage — order Kaiyo The Unicorn 10 Year Old online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.