Ichiro's Malt & Grain Classic Edition (70cl, 48%)

Ichiro's Malt & Grain Classic Edition is a Japanese blended malt from Ichiro Akuto, formerly of Hanyu distillery and now founder and distiller at Chichibu. It is made from malt whiskies taken from his own stocks. Part of the blend has matured in mizunara, the fragrant Japanese oak, which gives the whisky a refined, almost incense-like air. The nose offers freshly sliced apple, plum and honey, with hints of incense and sandalwood. On the palate come apples and oranges alongside a fragrant woodiness, then grapefruit and white pepper. The finish is of medium length, with vanilla, caramel and more white pepper.