Chichibu Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Hanyu Single Cask Mizunara Head

Chichibu Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Hanyu Single Cask Mizunara Head, Single Malt Whisky, Japan, 70cl

A single cask distilled in 2000 at the Hanyu distillery and  bottled at cask strength (59.2% ABV) for the Isetan Mitsukoshi department store group in Tokyo. The whisky was matured in a refill hogshead with a Mizunara oak head on the cask.

This is whisky from the final year's production at the original Hanyu distillery which closed in 2000. Ichiro Akuto, the grandson of the owner of Hanyu, purchased the last barrels of whisky and used them as a base for early releases of his new Chichibu distillery's "Ichiro's Malt" brand. After the success of these whiskies, Hanyu was later rebuilt and began producing whisky again in 2021.

Critic's Tasting Note:

"NOSE: Interesting nose, grape must? Has something slightly fermented-scruffy, but not in a negative way, but wanted and with a subtle fruity note, apricot, sweet pears, pecans, the% is noticeable, but does not sting, almonds, light honey, toffee, wax, a little red apple, Hazelnut, yellow gummy bears, sweet tobacco, banana

TASTE: Mango, banana, apricot, papaya, kiwi, sweet malt, marzipan, honeydew melon, honey, toffee, macadamia and pecans, creamy tropical, pipe tobacco, grapes, lychee

FINISH: Lychee, a touch of delicious oak, papaya, banana, almonds, long, round"

91/100 points, WHISKYBASE, 2021

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.