Chichibu Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Double Distilleries Pure Malt Whisky

Chichibu Hanyu Ichiro's Malt "Double Distilleries", Pure Malt Whisky, Japan, 70cl

AROMA: Fresh orchard fruits, honey, and delicate peat smoke. Subtle floral undertones and a touch of vanilla. PALATE: Initial sweetness of ripe apples and pears, then deeper notes of caramel, toasted almonds, and dark chocolate. A gentle smokiness adds depth and complexity, while the silky texture enhances the experience. FINISH: A lasting impression of oak, spice, and a touch of citrus zest.

A combination of older malt whisky from the original Hanyu distillery (closed in 2000) and younger whisky from Ichiro Akuto's new venture at Chichibu. Aged in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon barrels.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"NOSE: Seductive, fresh and enthralling. Fragrant. Evokes the sweetness of malted barley and jasmine, enhanced by a fine note of pepper and vanilla. Juicy. Apricot, orange and mango nectar livened up with citrus fruit zest. Mentholated freshness. Pine tree, cedar, freshly cut wood. Green tea ice cream and sesame seeds. Incredibly floral with roses and violets.

PALATE: Lively, loses nothing of its malted heritage. With woody softness, oak acts as a watermark. Launches with subtle roasted, chocolate notes. A luxuriant note of tangerine and exotic fruit surreptitiously dominates the palate, giving way to dried fruits that are still green on the tree (hazelnut, walnut).

OVERALL: Long-lasting with malted barley and dark chocolate with cherry liqueur. Spicy sensations. Subtle bitterness is outweighed by vanilla pods and citrus fruit. Vegetal and springlike. Cut grass, hay"

LIQUID COURAGE

"NOSE: Heathery honeyed sweetness is joined by basket of mixed fruits – oranges, apples and pears – part fresh and fruit tea-like, part reduced to preserves and mamalades. There are some gentle sherry notes here – chocolate and sugar-coated fruits – but the influence is overall very light. White pepper and aromatic incense spices sit with malty biscuits. In the background a faint steeliness. The addition was water muted many of the top note aromas, reducing overall definition, but adding in gentle nuttiness.

TASTE: A solid arrival that delivers spice and fruit – stem ginger and slightly chilli pepper alongside peaches and oranges. Maltiness is again quite present and supported by water crackers, soils and wood bark (cedar). Lifting things is orange sherbet, honey and delicate wood – slightly oaky, but again with the more aromatic cedar. In the back palate, touches of mint and menthol. Water had a more positive effect than on the nose, heightening pepper, adding a touch of salt and bringing out some steely minerality.

FINISH: Medium in length, and relatively woody – oak, tannins and baking spices.

THE DRAMBLE, 2018

Awarded "Best Non Scotch Blended Malt No Age Statement", WORLD WHISKY AWARDS, 2009

This is part of a private customer’s collection. These whiskies are in excellent condition. We are acting as an agent in the sale and the price is exclusive of V.A.T. which is not due.