Ichiro's Malt Double Distilleries

Nose: Delicately fresh and lightly sweetened. There is honey, cinnamon and crisp green raisin. A slight wet hay note appears that gives way to a citrusy lemon peel. Palate: At first there is a quick sherry note present but it quickly fades giving way to a more “bourbon-ish” taste. Oaky tannin, dark clove, and barley sugars are found. Crisp and slightly bitter. It is not super complex but does seem well married together. Bitter note may be coming from the younger Mizunara aged malt. Back palate presents more Dark oak and clove spice with ginger and a light green tea note. Finish: Medium in length. More on the dry side but not unpleasant. There is oak, cinnamon and a dark spice note with a hint of mint. Conclusion: It was enjoyable! Not super complex as I said but well put together and a good example of what Ichiro may be doing right. I do feel unless you can find this at retail that over $100 for this would be a bit to much for me. However, I hope to try other bottlings in the future!

Nose - Fruity vanilla, honey, baked light fleshed stone fruits, sweet baked croissants, apricot glaze Taste - Fruity vanilla & honey, light bitter/ginger heat, sweet baked stone fruits, baked apples, light fruity bitter apple skin Finish - Lingering sweet heat, baked apples and light fleshed stone fruits Score - 84/100 Final Thoughts - This fits right in with the typical Japanese profile of being nicely balanced and not too punchy. It tastes a bit young but not overly so. Nice balance of mouthfeel but has a bit of fruity bitterness that sort of builds with each subsequent sip. Is a very nice fruity/summery vibe to it with the baked apples and light fleshed stone fruits (peaches/nectarines/apricots). Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe another if it was

An elegant vatting from the now extinct Hanyu, & the newly born Chichibu distilleries aged in Japanese oak casks & finished in sherry casks before being bottled in 2010. It has a malty & floral birth with notes of toasty oak, green apple & dried fruit; while a rich life adds notes of biscuit, smoke & caramel; that led to a long death with notes of mint, honey, sherry bomb, white chocolate & ginger. September 2017 / May 2018 / August 2022

I really quite liked their wine finish and it scored a very good 4 rating from me. This one is back down to more solid territory. Its youngish side shows more prominently without the extra finishing to mask the youth of the distillate. Lovely vanilla slight green apple.

A bit unbalanced due to the new whisky in the blend. Alcohol comes forward but it balances off quite well with the addition of a little water! Loads of spices, sweet and cake. Long aftertaste but alcohol still bites a bit

Honey cereals on the nose and the honey follows through on the palate. A rare treat. The finish is oaky and rather medium with a tiny tad of burn (or was that the spice ?) nice