Ichiro's Malt & Grain 111 Proof (70cl, 55.5%)

This is a world blend from Ichiro Akuto of the Chichibu Distillery in Saitama, Japan, bottled at 55.5% ABV (111 proof) in a 70cl bottle. It is non-chill-filtered and uncoloured. Chichibu's own malt is combined with malt and grain whiskies from Scotland, Canada, the USA and Ireland. It also includes peated malt, which sets it apart from the brand's lighter, unpeated releases. The nose has bright citrus peel and bramble fruit with toffee, cola and a light smokiness. The palate is full and rich, with candied citrus, dried tropical fruit, caramel, gingerbread spice and gentle peat smoke over a pepper and roasted grain backbone. The finish is long, warming and slightly smoky, with sweet fruit and caramel giving way to toasted grain.