Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt Six of Clubs

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt Six of Clubs, 9 YO, 57,9 %

I recently came across another release in the famous Card Series from Ichiro's Malt. The Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt Six of Clubs was distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2009. It was matured first in a hogshead, then it received a finish in a cream sherry butt (cask #9020). The total outturn was 597 bottles.

If you can find one of these bottles online at all anymore you will probably have to part with around GBP 1300 to make it yours.

Nose (23/25): Solid base of vanilla and mild caramel, topped with a layer of fluffy sherry fruity cotton balls (yeah, imagine that!). Delightful notes of almonds, cinnamon, exotic spices and exotic wood. Softly, softly, but oh so rich.

Taste (23/25): Spices up front. A big "hello"! Ginger, white pepper, cinnamon, tropical fruit, and a lot more influence from the sherry butt than what I found on the nose.

Finish (22/25): Slightly acidic feel now. Tropical fruits, vanilla, powdered sugar, dried fruits, sherry cotton foam. Light and delicate all the way. Long finish.

Balance (23/25): Again proof that the average quality of this Card Series is very good indeed.

Score (91/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas