Chichibu Hanyu Water Iris Cask #1292 La Maison Du Whisky Unpeated

Chichibu Hanyu "Water Iris" Cask #1292 La Maison Du Whisky Unpeated, Single Malt Whisky, Japan, 70cl

A limited release malt whisky, distilled in 2011 (bottled 2017) for the French distributor "La Maison du Whisky"  Aged in a first fill Bourbon barrel (#1292) and bottled at 58.6% ABV. The label uses a painting by Asuka Irie of a Water Iris. Only 214 bottles produced.

Critic's Tasting Note:

"In case you’re wondering what it is, there’s a delicate watercolour titled ‘Water Iris’ by Azuka Irie on the label. Oh and this is an unpeated version. Colour: pale gold. Nose: straight and immaculate. Sweet bread, citrons, lime grass, a touch of chalk, a touch of yoghurt, and a handful of white-ish cherries. With water: oh, oils! Diesel oil! Waxes! As I sometimes write, the best use of water, ever. Mouth (neat): extraordinary. Massive and yet delicate, this samurai of a malt whisky would just cut you in halves, should you ingest more than one drop at a time. But then, it’s millimetric, superbly and softly spicy (Szechuan pepper), and adorably fruity, with apricots for sure, notes of elderberry syrup, and zucchini flowers. I find this amazing, really, such precision in any whisky is, well, flabbergasting. Almost a winemaker’s whisky, I’d say. With water: oooh! I do find a pinhead of wasabi (don’t sass me, please), and many sweet herbs. Really, many. Some sweet mustard. Finish: long, spicier yet, and more cerealy. Pine nuts, sunflower seeds, spicy bread… Comments: triple bang. Gives you faith in Japanese whisky."

91/100 points, WHISKY FUN, 2017

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.