Hanyu 10, 2000-2011, Ichiro's Malt, The Final Vintage of Hanyu, Cask No. 6067, 111/477, 60.8% abv.

There are a few of these "the final vintage" as 2000 was the last year Hanyu produced distillate. You'll also notice there are a plethora of Hanyu 2000 types out there (note: card series). Also released in varying maturities.

Nose: sweet, light purple grapes, very similar to that Ichiro's malt bourbon cask finish, burnt tire, very light hints of asphalt.

Palate: medium bodied, hints of wood, back palate is light red fruit, some honey, seriously tastes like a warm cocktail. Potent.

Finish: medium on flavors but long on abv spice, heat builds with time, black pepper?

Its not intense as other whiskies, but it goes large on all fronts. Interestingly the "toast" aspect seems to have disappeared, but that original "Ichiro's Malt" flavor (Hanyu/Chichibu) is hard to describe. For some reason, the 3 The Games, 2017 Chichibu winner, and this final vintage all seemed to have underperformed relative to some other Ichiro's Malt casks I've had. I'm genuinely confused. Was it the environment? The drinkware? Previous meals?

Grade: B

Couldn't find quantifiable, reliable reviews.

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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