Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 'The First TEN' 2020 Edition (70cl, 50.5%)

This is the first official 10 year old bottling from Chichibu Distillery in Japan, bottled at 50.5% ABV in a 70cl bottle. It was first planned to coincide with the 2020 Olympics in Japan, and is intended to join the distillery's regular range, although single cask 10 year olds have been released before. It is made with barley grown locally in Chichibu. 5,000 bottles were released in November 2020. The nose is fresh and fruity, with ripe apples and pears and a light honey sweetness. The palate is smooth and velvety, balancing honey and fruit with a gentle malt character. The finish is long and warm.