Blogging, one whisky at a time
[61.2%・Distilled in 1988・Bottled in 2014・Ichiro’s Malt & Shinanoya Bottling・Cask No. 192・ Limited Release of 471 Bottles] Nose: Mizunara wood with a slightly acidic tone, pine wood and hazelnuts integrates nicely with the malt to form a foundation that later on releases notes of beeswax and warm tea infused with lemon and honey, the wood becomes…
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[60.9%・Distilled in 2000・Bottled in 2013・13 Years Old ・Ichiro’s Malt Bottling・Cask No. 959・Single Cask Release of 303 Bottles] Nose: Mildly earthy with late harvest grapes, deep floral notes dispersing with elegance along with a suggestion of smoke and ash, brush of umami note developing in time. Palate & Finish: A concentrated sweetness from the grapes and…
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[61.2%・Distilled in 2000・Bottled in 2009・Official Bottling・Limited Release of 476 Bottles] Nose: A rich, fulfilling oomph of gooey custard oozing pastries. Oak and pepper piercing through as a layer of vanilla paste gets brushed onto charred toast. Palate & Finish: Vanilla and lemon butter churned with pear puree. The thick creaminess sips out more and more … Continue reading Dram Review: Ichiro’s Malt Hanyu The Game
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[58.5%・13-14 Years Old・Distilled in 2000・Bottled in 2014・Ichiro’s Malt Bottling・Cask No. 531・Single Cask Release] Nose: The dram starts off with a white grape acidity that’s rather prominent, hint of Sauternes with a slight spirit sharpness at first that opens up to some lovely jammy aromas in time. The Weetbix-esque malt sinks into a certain earthiness and…
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[54.1%・22-23 Years Old・Distilled in 1991・Bottled in 2014・Ichiro’s Malt Bottling・Cask No. 1386・Single Cask Release] Nose: Madeira fills the nose entirely, the resemblance is just uncanny. Well tuned aged citrus oozes out of the slightly meaty presence. The creamy undertone works well with lush notes of dark chocolate, toffee and syrup soaked strawberries. Palate & Finish: Such…
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[57.3%・18 Years Old・Distilled in 1991・Bottled in 2009・Whisky Live Japan Bottling・Cask No. 369・Single Cask Release] Nose: Loads of raisins and prunes with the dark fruits driving the creaminess, crème brûlée with some earthy notes. Nutty, walnuts and peanut butter with a faint aroma of smoked ham. Palate & Finish: Such a dark setting, rich raisins influence…
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[57.3%・18 Years Old・Distilled in 1991・Bottled in 2009・Number One Drinks Company Bottling・Cask No. 370・Single Cask Release of 361 Bottles] Nose: The wood is perhaps emitting too much of its presence, fair amount of sandalwood and oak before the lavishly fragrant aromas of ripen apricots and dark honey come through. A touch of mirin in time with…
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[55.1%・Distilled in 2000・Bottled in 2014・13 Years Old・SMWS Bottling・Single Cask Release of 646 Bottles] Nose: Incredibly syrupy with the toffee treacle. Plenty of aged leather with a hint of candied ginger but the overall tone leans towards the heaviness as gifted by a thick syrupy cask. There is a rich waxiness amidst the prominent spices as…
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[46.5%・15 Years Old・Bottled in 2015・Official Bottling・Limited Release of 3,710 Bottles] Nose: A whisky named the final vintage of Hanyu is always going to be a collector’s item well sought after, even though it might not be the Hanyu you hope for.Toasted cereal and barbecue salt on the nose with an underlying layer of vanilla grain.…
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