Ichiro's Malt Single Cask #1386 Hanyu 1991

Ichiro's Malt Single Cask #1386 Hanyu 1991, 23 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, Japan, 70cl

Founded in 1941 by Isouji Akuto, Hanyu distillery was located in the north west of Tokyo in Saitama prefecture. Producing single malt whiskies from the 1980s, the distillery stopped production in 2000 before being dismantled in 2004 with the remaining stocks being recovered and purchased by Ichiro Akuto - the founders grandson. This spirit was laid down to mature in 1991, and has spent some time maturing in a Madeira cask before being bottled in 2014 at a strength of 54.1% ABV for Isetan Mitsukoshi, one of Japan's largest department store groups based in Tokyo.

Critic's Tasting Note:

Nose: Earthy field mushrooms, creosote, licorice, apricots, furniture polish, fermented orange slices, a touch of brine. Water adds some pear and white flowers.
Palate: Candied orange slices, creosote, Brazil nuts, olive oil, salt, nutmeg, ginger cubes. Almost no woodiness after 23 years in an oak barrel. Water adds some menthol, almonds and nougat.
Finish: Over baked scones, ginger cubes, creosote, earthy, powder like cocoa powder but without the cocoa taste and the nougat with some water added.
Last Word: Not your typical Madeira cask matured whisky, less fruity/winey for sure. A really nice experience and while not cheap to buy, a lot cheaper than a Card Series Hanyu of the same vintage.

Japanese Whisky Review, 2016

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.