Chichibu Hanyu The Chronicles Mangacamo #3 Cask #4548 La Maison Du Whisky

Chichibu Hanyu The Chronicles "Mangacamo #3" Cask #4548 La Maison Du Whisky, Single Malt Whisky, Japan, 70cl

NOSE: A luscious mix of roasted malt and dark chocolate complemented by hints of coffee and caramel, Subtle notes of vanilla and dried fruits such as sultanas and figs adding sweet complexity. PALATE: On first sip, a rich, full-bodied flavour reveals itself. Dark chocolate and espresso mingle with sweet caramel and toffee. The mid-palate offers a balance of sweet and bitter elements, with roasted nuts and a hint of smoke. FINISH: Long & satisfying with notes of cocoa, coffee, and a slight bitterness reminiscent of stout.

A single cask Chichibu (Belgian stout finish barrel #4548) distilled in 2011 and bottled at cask strength (57.4% ABV) for French importer  La Maison du Whisky in 2018. The label features Fantasista Utamaro's artwork "Mangacamo #3". A limited edition of 250 bottles. The influence of the stout cask brings forth a fascinating interplay of flavours, infusing the spirit with nuances of rich malt, dark fruits, and a hint of roasted bitterness.

Critic's Tasting Note:

"Excuse me, but LOL! While wondering about what dear Michael Jackson would have said… Now, grain + grain sounds more legit than grain + grape, doesn’t it? Colour: gold. Nose: a pleasant concoction that’s even more on the earthy side, with this fattish sourness that reminds us of beer, and then many more fruits than in the previous ones. Cherries, strawberries, blackberries… Some kind of fresher fruitcake, in other words. Not exactly whisky, but this Belgo-Japanese cocktail seems to work. With water: more fruity hops-heavy IPA than stout! And meadow flowers. Mouth (neat): I like! It’s beer-heavy, really, and at some point I do think of Brewdog’s cold-distilled beer (that was mad!) but indeed there are very nice notes of overripe bananas and strawberries that are pretty sexy. With water: I wouldn’t have thought the beer would totally dominate the whisky. But it’s a very nice beer, really… Finish: long, on tangerine-y hops. Isn’t it called Citra or something? Comments: full of fun. Now I wouldn’t call this whisky, someone might have to find another name. Nope, too busy elsewhere."  WHISKY FUN, 2019

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.