Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Seven of Spades

This is one of the very last expressions in Ichiro Akuto’s “Card Series”. It was distilled in 1990 and matured in a hogshead before being finished in a cognac cask (cask #525). It was released in 2012.

The nose is light and surprisingly sweet, possibly due to the cognac cask finish? Notes of vanilla are followed by lemons, fudge and crème brûlée. A nice mix of fruits and biscuits, I am tempted to say.

The palate is medium-bodied and lightly spicy. The biscuits are back, accompanied by lemons and oranges. Also, wood notes have crept in and provide a welcome addition to the overall flavour profile. Altogether this is a very well balanced palate.

The finish is of medium length and dry. I again got the lemons and the biscuits, although less pronounced than on the palate.

This is my favourite “Card Series” expression to date. It appears that the cognac cask finish added a particular sweetness that gives this single malt its very special appeal. Both nose and palate are superbly balanced, and the interplay between sweet, fruity and biscuit flavours is just right. Another great sample from Clint A.!

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