Kawasaki 1976-2009, Ichiro's Choice, Refill Sherry Butts, 170/432, 65.6% abv.

There isn't much information on Kawasaki relative to Karuizawa. Supposedly Kawasaki distillery was part of Showa Brewery, which also released some malt whiskies after WW2. Sanraku Ocean, and thus Mercian, acquired it sometime later and had the facility produce grain whisky in 1969. Interestingly, Ichiro Akuto obtained barrels of 1976, 1981, and 1982 vintages from a winery in Katsunuma, Yamanashi Prefecture! These were later released as Ichiro's Choice when Ichiro Akuto founded Venture Whisky company.

Nose: sweet, major vanilla/toast, sugar/grapes. Very grain whisky like.

Palate: major honey like jujubee honey, super syrup, some brown sugar, a super grain whisky sweet and everything. Not sure where the refilled sherry comes in though.

Finish: short, brown sugar.

A super amazing whisky, balanced sweetness. Very similar to the 1981 Ichiro's Choice. I was a little speechless when I had this, especially after drinking many nice whiskies. I am also biased since I like the grains, especially old sherried grains, although I am not sure where the sherry influence was.

Grade: A

Whiskyfun.com, Angus MacRaild, sgp:551, 90 points
Malt maniacs, 90 points on 2 reviews

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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