Hanyu 22, 1986-2008, Part des Anges Closed Distilleries, Cask No. 2812, 56/305, 58.4% abv.

Hanyu was more or less the precursor to Chichibu, having operated from 1946 producing sake to going bankrupt in 2004. Former Suntory brand manager and founder of Venture Whisky, Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the founder of the original Hanyu, bought the remaining Hanyu casks (and Kawasaki casks!!!) that the new owners didn't want and released them under the brand Ichiro's Malt, along with other producta. This however is not Ichiro's Malt. Part des Anges is a French independent bottler, which I believe is a little rare given the amount the country consumes. I think it only has a "Closed Distilleries" series though.

Nose: a sherry flavor, well bodied. Becomes somewhat vegetative after some time.

Palate: spicey, peppery, back palate has wood, light honey, wet old steamed lotus leaves/expired sherry, herbal. Eventually that strong spice permeates into the back palate as well.

Finish: medium, pepper spice.

A somewhat unexpected distraction. Didn't know a Hanyu could have this sharp and strong herbal spice. Didn't get any of the honey and toast/vanilla I got accustomed to from Hanyu. To be honest, I tried this because the patron next to me said it was good to his girlfriend. Not my style.

Grade: C

Whiskyfun.com, Serge Valentin, sgp:372, 70 points
Malt maniacs, Serge Valentin, 70 points (same as above)

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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