Ichiro's Malt Chichibu The First

Whisky on the Hudson 9/18/2014: This is my first experience with Japanese whiskey, and I wasn't sure what to anticipate. The aroma presented a fruity sweetness with some buttery undertones. On the palate, the whiskey offered a sweet, light plum flavor. The texture was exceptionally thin, feeling as though it were diluted. Sadly, the finish was almost nonexistent, disappointingly bland. I had hoped for a rich, fruity sweet dram. Considering the price per serving or bottle, this earns only 1 star.

Excellent spirit. Flavors include green apples, pears, cinnamon, sandalwood, nutmeg, vanilla, white peaches, lavender, violets, roses, white chocolate, gingerbread, buttercream frosting, yuzu, and lychees. This was the first offering, followed by a 3-year-old, and soon a 10-year-old will be available. I'm eager to see what the 10-year-old brings.

Wonderful to drink neat. It creates a warming (not burning) sensation in the mouth, and the flavors develop the longer it's held.

Sampling the Golden Horse 8 year old. It's pleasantly sweet and perfectly balanced. Quite enjoyable. Smooth. The 12 year expression offers more peat, though it's also commendable.

Seems like a very young spirit. A bit of smoke on the conclusion. Wouldn't purchase a bottle at resale prices.

A rich vanilla, bright fruit, and subtle chocolate character make this delicious. Expensive at $150.