Ichiro's Malt & Grain, Bar Ashiyanikki 30+1 Anniversary, Bourbon Barrel No. 5765, 12/241, 54.7% abv.

This is for a bar in Kobe, Japan. Was the distillate a blend of malt and grain whiskies before being bourbon barrel matured?

Nose: a bouquet of pretty flowers, marble, seafood and vegetable soup, sap, wow all over the place.

Palate: initially light wet old steamed lotus leaves and then transforms to something sweeter and heavier, a little dry. After a few sips, there is a slight flavor and aroma of smoke on the back palate.

Finish: short to moderate, sweet honey, a little numbing.

This nose was all over the place and a little unlike a typical Ichrio's Malt & Grain. Its quite sweet, but not as sweet as the Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky LE. For me, when they reach a certain level of sweetness, it's really hard to discern flavors, if there are any more... I get this effect with bourbons as well, but bourbons are on a different sweetness profile altogether. Interestingly, that light smoke element didn't transfer to the finish.

Grade: B

Couldn't find quantifiable, reliable reviews.

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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