At London’s Whisky Show 2024, we were introduced to South Korea’s Ki One single malt. Founded in 2020 by Bryan Do, a Korean-American, with Scotland’s Andrew Shand, a special trio was released to reflect the three different elements: Tiger for Korea, Eagle for USA, and the Unicorn for Scotland’s national (mythical) animal.

During a visit to Singapore, our hostess had an opportunity to sample all three expressions, finally settling on this one.

Ki One “Unicorn” 3 year (2025) Virgin American Oak / ex-Bourbon 46%

• Nose – Initially sour mash, brine, pickles, a bit musty, earthy with moss, then it began to shift, opening up in the glass to reveal curious elements of turmeric, mace, then bay leaf, mint, sweetening more and more, watermelon seeds, green apples, teak wood then fresh pine, wandering into a wet forest, fresh, clean, and fragrant air. Then nutmeg, ginger…. shifting back to those crunchy green apples
• Palate – What a beauty! Chocolate melting in the mouth, gentle cinnamon spice, coffee cake, cloves, well-rounded and rewarding, from mocha to roasted coffee grounds, then orange peel
• Finish – An incredibly long finish, bitter cinnamon bark or smoked oolong tea with honey

It has been some time since I encountered such a nuanced yet complex nose – a whisky that has several different elements that require slowing down to gently unfurl. There was an elegance and balance – each part nose, taste, finish brought something special to the equation. Yes, there was peat, and yet it was a subtle roast… like a shadow or echo of peat, rather than the main event.

We set the whisky aside and came back to find it even more beautiful. It paired wonderfully with our chocolate cake dessert… It was lovely just to sip and enjoy. For most this was the clear favourite of the evening.

Here is what the folks at Ki One have to say about this expression:

KI ONE UNICORN KOREAN SINGLE MALT 46% ABV

Unicorn is the third pillar of Ki One, representing master distillery Andrew Shand and the complexity of peated scotch whisky. Matured in the same combination of barrels as the Ki One Eagle, this expression uses malted barley that boasts a robust 50 parts per million of peat. Aromas of fall leaves and camp smoke are present as well as sea air and rich oak. The flavors are unmistakably smokey but with a delicacy that betrays its heavy peating. Smoked honey, warm grains, and a pleasant umami finish.

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