Chichibu – Ichiro's Malt Mizunara Wood Reserve (70cl, 46.5%)

A blended malt whisky from Chichibu, the Saitama distillery founded in 2004 by Ichiro Akuto, bottled at 46.5% ABV in a 70cl bottle. It is matured in Mizunara, or Japanese oak, a wood that is difficult to work with because the staves can struggle to hold a watertight shape. Mizunara whiskies are typically oaky, with perfumed notes of sandalwood, cigar box, honey and stonefruit. The nose offers gentle Mizunara, soft grass, cigar box, grapefruit, apple, coconut, honey and toasty wood. The palate is rich and spicy, with toffee apples, sweet baking spices and orchard fruits. The finish is sweet, of medium length, with soft spices.