Chichibu Ichiro’s Malt and Grain limited edition 2023 Vol.48% Cl.70

This 2023 limited edition Ichiro's "Malt & Grain" has been named "World's Best Limited Edition Blend" in four of the last six years at the World Whiskies Awards, highlighting its extraordinary quality, as well as the experience and talent of the people who created it.

lchiroAkuto, the producer of this whisky, has used only malt and grain whiskies from Japan and has used the oldest stocks from the Chichibu distillery, as well as rare and valuable casks from the closed Hanyu and Kawasaki distilleries.

Hanyu was his grandfather's distillery, distilling only single malts, whose youngest barrels are now over 20 years old.

Hanyu closed its doors in 2000.

The Japanese Kawasaki distillery closed in 2004, so the grain whisky used in this blend is also at least 20 years old, but we can assume that it is much older.

The Blended Japanese Whisky "Ichiro's Malt & Grain" limited edition 2023 expresses all the wisdom, in the art of distilling, of Ichiro Akuto, owner of the Chichibu distillery and the Hanyu distillery.

"Ichiro's Malt & Grain" limited edition 2023 is produced in very few bottles, only 500 in the world.

The perfect Blended Japanese Whisky Ichiro's Malt & Grain is created starting from malt whisky and grain whisky.

Very balanced and composed of young whiskies, the distilled malt and grain remain attractive with their refined woody and spicy aromas.

Ichiro's "Malt & Grain" limited edition 2023 is a rounded and smooth whisky that can be enjoyed after lunch, in an after dinner.

Tasting note:

Colour: Dark amber almost coppery.

Nose: The nose opens with a lush complexity, rich in dried fruit aromas such as sultanas and figs, complemented by rich honey notes and a hint of vanilla. A subtle layer of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg follows, intertwined with floral nuances. The influence of the Mzunara oak barrels is evident with delicate hints of sandalwood and incense. The heritage of the Hanyu distillery contributes to a creation of deep and complex aromas.

Taste: At the first sip, a full and rich flavour is revealed. Notes of ripe apples, pears and tropical fruits blend with layers of caramel and toffee, creating a sweet and creamy texture. Spicy accents emerge on the mid-palate, with hints of oak and a touch of pepper. The influence of the malts from the Kawasaki distillery gives a light smokiness and a subtle hint of tobacco.

Finish: It is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of sweet spices and a light smokiness that slowly fades. The subtle influence of the Mizunara oak barrel offers a unique exotic touch, with hints of sandalwood and incense. It is rounded off with a delicate hazelnut.