Hanyu 1991 Ichiro's Malt Jack of Clubs

Hanyu 1991 Ichiro's Malt Jack of Clubs, 15 YO, 56,8 %

The now legendary "Card Series" from Ichiro's Malt is a series of single malt from the not closed Japanese distillery Hanyu. Ulf Buxrud has spent a lot of time and done great research to assemble the ultimate source of information on the Card Series. You can find the info here.

I have now tried the Hanyu 1991 Ichiro's Malt Jack of Clubs. It was distilled in 1991, and bottled in 2006. It was first matured in an unspecified hogshead, and then finished in an American oak butt that had held sherry of some sort. The cask number #9001, and the total outturn was 330 bottles. When released it sold at YEN 17800.

Nose (24/25):  Light but with depth. Dark chocolate, warm and exotic spices, light notes of exotic wood. Very complex! Hints of furniture polish, old leather furniture. I also find the hint of a shadow of a memory of something a bit sour, but it works as a spice here, adding to the symphony of aromas.

Taste (22/25): Oaky, spicy, full-on! The gloves are off, that's for sure! After the initial spice attack there is rich, thick honey and caramel (slightly burnt), dried fruits, and an all-round cozy Christmas feeling.

Finish (23/25): Almonds, unsalted peanuts in rich caramel sauce. Caramel pudding, the home-made kind. Long and lingring finish. This one will stay with me 'till tomorrow.

Balance (22/25): Wow!

Score (91/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas