Hanyu, d.2000, Ichiro's Malt, Mizunara Head, American Oak Barrels, Bottled for Isetan, 59.2% abv.

Not much information on this one, other than it was originally sold at Isetan and was aged in a hogshead with refitted mizunara heads. It is interesting as Scotch regulatory bodies forbid the use of staves in ageing Scotch, but bourbons do it, and as we see here, fitting different heads could possibly have a similar effect. There were two offerings, a 700 ml and a 200 ml one.

Nose: initially viney but then it becomes more floral, lightly salted ham, green apples.

Palate: initially smooth like water, body is mostly seasoned peanut sauce, some fleshy fruit like plums and peaches, mostly strong honey.

Finish: long, quite potent and a little dry, fruity sweetness, warm honey.

This is one of the more manageable high proof Ichiro's Malt out there. A few sideshow flavors that accompany that super fruity sweet wave that stays in your mouth. Quite good, undeniably quality, almost reminds me of bourbons where it focuses on one flavor and goes at it with maximum intensity. In this case its not the honey in bourbon, but a more full-bodied, meat flavored honey.

Grade: B

Couldn't find quantifiable, reliable reviews.

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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