Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt Queen of Hearts

Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt Queen of Hearts, 16 YO, 54,6 %

Here is another whisky in the famous Card Series of Hanyu whisky releases from Ichiro's Malt. I have tried a few of these before, and I always jump at the chance to try one.

The Hanyu 1990 Ichiro's Malt Queen of Hearts was initially matured in a hogshead, and then finished in a French oak ex-Cognac cask (cask#9102). The whisky was distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2006, with a total outturn of 324 bottles.

It appears that no bottles are available to buy online at the moment, and if you do spot it at an auction it is going to be rather expensive.

Nose (23/25): Deep, sugary sweetness. Oaky for sure, but it works a charm. Warm spices, mustard seeds, cinnamon, vanilla, and strawberry vanilla ice-cream. Very cream nose actually. With time it just keeps improving and developing. Sweeter and lighter, mode delicate. More vanilla, with strawberries and marshmallows, mixed with ghost images of light fruits.

Taste (22/25): Full, rich and complex. Candy of all sorts. Mild fruits - red, yellow and tropical. Caramel and sweet licorice.

Finish (22/25): Sugary and fizzy. Warm and lingering finish. Camphor and a touch of eucalyptus towards the end. Hints of acidity.

Balance (22/25): Wow! What a thoroughly complex and lovely dram. I'm going to just dream myself away to Japan for a bit now...

Score (89/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas