Ichiro's Malt Mizunara Wood Reserve (70cl, 46.5%)

A Japanese blended malt from Ichiro Akuto, formerly of Hanyu distillery and now founder and distiller at Chichibu. It is bottled at 46.5% in a 70cl bottle. The blend draws on malt whiskies from his extensive stocks, including whisky matured in mizunara, a fragrant Japanese oak that adds an almost incense-like air. The nose brings freshly sliced apple, plum, sweet honey and gentle hints of incense and sandalwood. On the palate, apples and oranges meet a clear fragrant woodiness, with grapefruit and white pepper cutting through. The finish is of medium length, with vanilla, caramel and more white pepper.