The Kiyosato Field Ballet is performed "outdoors" from July to August every year since it's inauguration in 1990. For some reason, these commemorative anniversary bottlings start from the 25th anniversary and have been extremely exceptional and rare. The 25th anniversary release was a Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita blend; 26th and 27th anniversary releases were Hanyu and Kawasaki blends, the 28th anniversary had three releases of Hakushu, Hanyu and Kawasaki blend, and a Maker's Mark Private Select bottling, and this 29th anniversary bottling is supposedly a blend of Hanyu and Kawasaki.

Nose: honey malt, toasted graham crackers, light vanilla, general sweetness but with bread elements.

Palate: light and medium body, initial palate has elements of grapes, honey, and malt, toasted oats, mid palate shows more spices, more honey, grape juice is more prevalent, a sort of light bitterness pops up, back palate shows more fruit jelly, a sweetened vanilla almost caramel vanilla, diluted bread flavors.

Finish: a hint of burnt fruits, honey bread, bitterness of bread crust.

A semi-balanced, grape juice-based, honey malt, which is not as exciting as other Ichiro's Malts unfortunately. It is well made, quite balanced, however lacks complexity and variety.

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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