Ichiro's Malt & Grain Japanese Blended Whisky (75cl, 46.5%)

Ichiro's Malt & Grain is a world blended whisky from Chichibu Distillery in Saitama, Japan, bottled at 46.5% ABV in a 75cl bottle. It is non-chill-filtered and has no added colouring. Ichiro Akuto blends five kinds of whisky: Scotch single malt, Canadian rye, American whiskey, Irish whiskey and his own Chichibu Japanese single malt. The components from other countries are aged for three to five years where they were made, then shipped to Chichibu for a further one to three years of maturation. The nose brings ripe apricot, vanilla cream, popcorn toffee and Meyer lemon zest. The palate is soft and creamy, with chestnut, green apple, malted milk, gingerbread and clove. The finish is medium to long, with honey, black pepper and a gentle herbal dryness.