For the first time ever in our 20 year history…2 bottles of 100% exceptional Japanese blended whisky! The Kaibutsu Doragon and Kaibatsu Monki…for a price you are going to shout 素晴らしい! TWO mythical beasts, ONE legendary deal!
While we typically feature single malts, Kaibutsu’s craftsmanship and complexity earn it a rare spotlight in our line-up. The incredible price point we’ve negotiated doesn’t hurt either! These aren’t just blends — they’re fantastic, and eminently drinkable whiskies born from Hyogo distilling artistry. The Hyogo region is renowned for its meticulous distilling traditions and purity of its local water. Though Kaibutsu is a blended whisky, it showcases masterful blending techniques from one of Japan’s top contemporary blending houses – Kyoto Shuzo in the Kansai Region. This results in a rich, layered experience akin to single malt complexity.
The two expressions are the Doragon – a blend of Japanese single malt and grain alcohol which is then matured for at least 3 years in a combination oak and cherry-tree wood (Sakura) which perhaps makes it most interesting from a ‘what wood is this?’ perspective and results in a whisky that is rich, malty with toffee aromas. The Monki is a more traditional whisky maturation in a combination of American and ex-sherry oak giving a fruity blend with spicy vanilla finish. Both expressions are bottled at 43% abv in some extremely striking packaging – and BOTH BOTTLES for only $155.
The name “Kaibutsu” (怪物) means “monster” in Japanese — a nod to the brand’s mythical themes and its desire to challenge convention. Rather than mimic Scotch traditions, Kaibutsu embraces a modern Japanese identity, blending local craftsmanship with imaginative storytelling. So this month, we’re stepping slightly off the beaten path — and into the wild world of Kaibutsu Whisky, a new Japanese brand that’s turning heads and challenging conventions.
Why would we feature a pair of blended whiskies you may ask? Well, a couple of reasons. Firstly, during Christmas it’s just sooo hot that drinking neat whisky is, well, let’s be honest, not ideal. Luckily the Japanese have shown us the way…they love their whisky – but have discovered the ‘Highball’. Once known as ‘whisky and soda’ – this ‘all new’ take is… whisky and soda – but in a TALL glass! SIMPLES! But seriously -there’s a reason why this is a such a classic and long lasting drink – it’s bloody good! Even more so on a hot day or night around a table with friends or family. The Highball is the perfect solution – whisky fun, but cold and refreshing!
Having said that, if you don’t want to be topping up a dram of your most treasured whisky with mixers. So, to get your summer rocking, these couple of Japanese whiskies are not only perfect for blaspheming with buckets of ice and soda (or dry, or coke or even… coke zero), they’re exquisite dramming in their own right neat… AND we’ve got them at such a good price you won’t even mind ‘sharing’ them with the ‘social whisky drinkers’ if you get my drift.
OUR TASTING NOTES
Doragon:
Taken neat, definitely malty with toffee on the nose (as the bottle describes). On first sip it the mouthfeel is much less oily than single malts we’re used to. It’s a light spirit with an almost salty-plumb umami-ness to it.
Monki:
Neat – and the ‘in-a-nutshell’ bottle notes have nailed it – fruity and vanilla-ery alright. There’s some jube lolly kicking around in there as well. A sweeter whisky than he Doragon. Once again, much less viscous on the palate – light even.
With Ice and Soda – they are still recognisably different whiskies, but unmistakably from the same stable. The Doragon Highball more woody (like that ‘thousands of barrels in a bond store aroma’, woody) than that of the Monki. The Monki makes a much lighter, sweeter Highball than the Dorogon. For reference by better-half finds that one more ‘sippable’ but I’m more drawn to those drier notes in the Doragon highball.
All in all, I can confidently say that after a few nips straight up and a couple more liberal splashings in some each of the Highballs… I’m not only not caring it’s not single malt, I’m not even phased about the mother in law’s visit for dinner tonight! This stuff is PERFECT for the incoming ‘play nice with the family’ season!
Cask Strength, 8 Year Old Tasmanian Single Malt…straight out of the CASK…just for our members!
FROM KAIBATSU
Inspired by supernatural, timeless beings – gods, monsters and creatures yet unknown. Kaibutsu Whisky is nurtured to life for a minimum of 3 years in oak casks and carefully blended with Kyoto’s pure, soft water to transform it into something altogether different. What emerges is more than just smooth, easy-to-drink whisky, golden and imbued with mystery.
Created in collaboration with one of Japan’s top contemporary blending houses – Kyoto Shuzo in the Kansai Region. Discover a vibrant whisky that was created to celebrate the unique subcultures of Japan and to inspire an escape from the norms of traditional whisky thinking.
ABOUT KAIBATSU
Kaibutsu whisky was born from a collaboration with Kyoto Shuzo, one of Japan’s top contemporary blending houses, and represents a bold departure from traditional whisky norms.
Mooted in the Kansai region of Japan, Kaibutsu was created to celebrate the country’s vibrant subcultures and artistic spirit. The name “Kaibutsu” (怪物) means “monster” in Japanese — a nod to the brand’s mythical themes and its desire to challenge convention. Rather than mimic Scotch traditions, Kaibutsu embraces a modern Japanese identity, blending local craftsmanship with imaginative storytelling.
Each release — like Doragon and Monki — is inspired by folklore and aged in distinctive casks such as sakura and sherry, offering layered, expressive profiles. The brand’s visual style, bottle design, and flavour philosophy reflect a fusion of Kyoto’s elegance and Japan’s avant-garde creativity. Kaibutsu isn’t just whisky — it’s a cultural statement wrapped in liquid artistry
