Ichiro's Chichibu Malts Paris Edition 2021 (70cl, 53.5%)

This is a Japanese single malt from Chichibu, bottled in 2021 as the Paris Edition in a run of 1,847 bottles. It was put together by Ichiro Akuto from barley varieties including Concerto, Peated Concerto, Venture, Braemar, Tipple and Propino. The blend draws on five casks from 2013 (a peated first fill Bourbon cask, a Port pipe and three virgin oak casks) and three from 2014 (a red wine cask and two Chibidaru quarter casks). It is bottled at 53.5% ABV. The nose offers fine spices, candied vanilla, buttery toffee and orchard fruits in syrup. On the palate come dry wood, spice and exotic fruits in syrup, with a creamy, velvety feel. The finish is subtle and persistent.