Hanyu Ichiro's Malt 5 of Diamonds

This is one of the very last expressions in Ichiro Akuto’s “Card Series”. It was distilled in 2000 and matured in a hogshead before being finished in a sherry butt. It was released in 2012.

The nose is very sweet and aromatic. At the beginning there is slight rubber, testimony to the sherry butt that this was finished in. Next come berries and sweet cheesecake. I also detected distinct notes of cinnamon. Not the kind of nose that I prefer but still rather pleasant.

The palate is medium-bodied and quite spicy. Hints of licorice are accompanied by peaches and – interestingly – eucalyptus. With water the palate becomes creamy without losing any of its spiciness.

The finish is of medium length and very, very sweet. Again there are peaches and red berries. Adding water brings out mint chocolate right at the end.

This is an unusual single malt. I liked the nose although I am not used to this kind of flavours in my whisky. The palate, too, was quite enjoyable and very well balanced, while the finish was a tad too sweet for my taste. However I am glad that I got the opportunity to taste this. Once again, many thanks for the sample, Clint A.!

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