Ichiro's Malt Double Distilleries

Aroma: Subtly fresh and mildly sweet. It has honey, cinnamon, and crisp green raisins. A faint scent of damp hay emerges, giving way to a citrusy lemon zest. Taste: Initially, a brief sherry note is present but quickly fades, revealing a more 'bourbon-like' flavor. Oaky tannins, dark clove, and barley sugars are detected. It's crisp and slightly bitter. It's not exceptionally complex but seems well-integrated. The bitter note might originate from the younger Mizunara-aged malt. The back palate offers more dark oak and clove spice with ginger and a light green tea note. Finish: Medium in duration. Leaning towards dry but not unpleasantly so. It has oak, cinnamon, and a dark spice note with a hint of mint. Conclusion: It was enjoyable! As mentioned, not overly complex but well-crafted and a good demonstration of what this distillery is doing well. However, unless found at retail price, paying over $100 for this would be a bit steep for me. Nevertheless, I anticipate trying other releases in the future!

Nose - Notes of fruit, vanilla, honey, stone fruits that are baked and light, sweet croissants, and apricot icing. Taste - Flavors of fruit, vanilla, honey, a subtle bitter and ginger warmth, sweet baked stone fruits, baked apples, and a touch of light, fruity bitterness from apple skin. Finish - A persistent sweet warmth, with baked apples and light stone fruits. Score - 84/100 Overall - This expression aligns well with the common Japanese characteristic of being well-rounded and not overpowering. It seems a little youthful, but not excessively so. The texture is pleasant, though there's a slight fruity bitterness that intensifies with every sip. It has a really pleasant fruity, summery character, reminiscent of baked apples and light stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, or apricots. Would I consume it if offered? - Yes Would I intentionally order it? - Possibly Would I purchase a bottle? - Perhaps another if it was

A sophisticated blend from the defunct Hanyu distillery and the new Chichibu distillery, matured in Japanese oak barrels and finished in sherry barrels before being bottled in 2010. It starts with malt and floral notes, with hints of toasted oak, green apple, and dried fruit. Its rich life adds notes of biscuit, smoke, and caramel, leading to a long conclusion with hints of mint, honey, a sherry explosion, white chocolate, and ginger. September 2017 / May 2018 / August 2022

I really enjoyed their wine finish, giving it a strong 4 rating. This expression returns to more standard territory. Its youth is more apparent without the additional finishing to conceal the distillate's age. Nice vanilla and a hint of 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! Lots of spices, sweet and cake-like. Long aftertaste, but the alcohol still stings a bit.

Cereal notes with honey on the nose, and the honey flavor carries through to the palate. A rare delight. The finish is oaky and moderately long, with a slight sting (or perhaps that was the spice?). Enjoyable.