Hanyu, 2000-2014, 伊知郎, Ichiro's Malt, Cask No. 531, 58.5% abv.

Bottled for Isetan (major department store in Japan), is cognac cask finished, and is supposedly the sister cask to Hanyu's 4 of hearts. It's somehow related, but I couldn't make out what I hurriedly scribbled. The label on this bottle seems to be the right half of another picture which is on Hanyu 1991, Cask No. 1386. I also think there are other Ichiro's Malt labels with related angel wings, forgot the story behind it though.

Nose: quite nice, some butter, general sweetness, honey, Asian pears.

Palate: initial palate is sour but this disappears later, mid and back palate has a spiced toast or powdered vanilla flavor and feel. Seems well balanced for the abv.

Finish: sweet, toast, slightly wet old steamed lotus leaves, but it disappears quite quickly.

Overall a very tasty pour, just a little better than a typical Hanyu. Actually I think Hanyu and Chichibu are similar with more diversity within base Hanyu.

Grade: B

Whisknick, Nicholas, ☆

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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