Hanyu 2000 Final Vintage 15 Year Old Ichiro’s Malt

A special release from Ichiro Akuto - a single cask bottling of whisky from the final year of Hanyu distillers operation. Bottled at 15 years of age and at cask strength without colouring or chill-filtration. A little slice of distilling history. Tasting Notes by Whisky Exchange NOSE Intriguing nose that veers between sweet, candied aromas of toasted marshmallow and candy floss, right through to more ‘serious’ aromas of leather, dark chocolate and fresh wood shavings. Freshness comes in the form of melon, green apple and sprightly orange, while there’s some buttery, toasty aromas in there, too. PALATE Sharp, refreshing blast of green fruit, then full-on cinnamon, barrel char and leather. Powerful at full strength. A little water brings out its softer side, emphasising the candied-fruit element and sweetshop notes. The contrast between the soft, plump fruit character and the sturdier, spicy notes from the barrel is a beautiful thing. FINISH Split evenly between the fruit and oak, with the oak just shading it. COMMENT A dram of two halves, this teases with its playful soft fruitiness, then delivers a sharp blow of woody spice when you’re not expecting it. All in all, a delicious, fascinating whisky.