Dram Review: Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Chichibu Whisk(e)y Matsuri 2020 Single Cask World Blended Whisky

[58.6%・NAS・Bottled in 2019・Official Bottling・Cask No. 7256・Single Cask of 293 Bottles] Nose: A really filling serving of creamy grain with a proper showing of char coming from the wood, fruits displaying some greenness, green plums along with some white pine sticks. Palate & Finish: A bit sharp as expected, with some decent notes of ume and…

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Dram Review: Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Chichibu Whisk(e)y Matsuri 2019 Single Cask World Blended Whisky

[58.4%・Bottled in 2018・Official Bottling・Cask No. 5298・Single Cask Release of 244 Bottles] Nose: German caramel biscuits and vanilla fudge, some citrus flavoured pastries, some passion fruit pulp as the dram lets out its grainy side in time. Palate & Finish: Quite intensely sweet to the taste, caramel crystals and caramelised popcorn, though it does carry lighter…

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Dram Review: Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu X Kusuda 2017

[57.5%・Distilled in 2011・Bottled in 2017 ・6 Years Old・Original Bottling・Limited Release of 1270 Bottles] Nose: Dignified with the fine French oak influence; a polite presence of wine tannins alongside freshly plucked strawberries conveying that clean sweetness and dressed with ginger flowers. Palate & Finish: A subtle macaron-like sweetness as the jammy strawberries intensify then effortlessly dissolve,…

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Whisky Review: Ichiro’s Malt Aged 23 Years Cask Strength

Tasting Notes: Ichiro’s Malt Aged 23 Years Cask Strength ☆ Style: Sweet and Composed Nose: Sweet honey cornflakes aroma, red fruits and flower meadow in touch with an unexpected dash of white vinegar. Fresh peppermint spice fizzes, then we come to see some lively, light-hearted malt. Palate: Beautiful sherry and floral notes entwining and unfolding…

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Dram Review: Ichiro’s Malt Houou-Uhi

[46.5%・12 Years Old・Ichiro’s Malt Bottling・Limited Release] One can make an argument that Mr. Ichiro Akuto is perhaps one of the leading figures in blended whiskies these days, with Chichibu and some dwindling Hanyu stocks at his disposal. His casks have featured in the two releases this year that melted whisky forums, the Glover and Ghost 8; but it’s his earlier…

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