Chichibu Ichiro’s Malt and Grain limited edition 2020 Vol.48,5% Cl.70

This Ichiro's "Malt & Grain" limited edition 2020 has been named "World's Best Limited Edition", the first Japanese Blended whisky to receive this award.

This is a 2020 release, we are at the dawn of an edition of Ichiro' Malt & Grain that in four of the last six years has won the World Whiskies Awards, highlighting their extraordinary quality, as well as the experience and talent of the people who created them.

lchiroAkuto, the producer of this whisky has used only malt and grain whiskies from Japan and has used the oldest stocks of the Chichibu distillery, as well as rare and precious 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 15 years old, but we can assume that it is much older.

The Blended Japanese Whisky "Ichiro's Malt & Grain" limited edition 2020 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 2020 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 2020 is a lightly peated, rounded and smooth whisky that can be enjoyed after lunch, in an after dinner.

Tasting note:

Colour: Dark amber almost coppery, the darkest of all the Ichiro Malt & grain editions.

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 smoky nuances. The influence of the Mzunara oak casks 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, cooked 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.