Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt Three of Spades

Hanyu 2000 Ichiro's Malt Three of Spades, 7 YO, 57 %

I continue my quest to experience as many whiskies as possible in Ichiro Akuto's Card Series. About a month ago I got to try two more, and here is the review of the first of these two.

This is a 7 year old whisky, distilled in 2000. It was first matured in a hogshead (cask #7000), then it was finished for 23 months in a new American Oak hogshead. The total outturn was 354 bottles. The year 2000 was the last year with production at Hanyu.

So this is a relatively young Hanyu, and it has been matured for quite a while in new oak. How interesting!

A nerd fact first, before I move on the the actual tasting notes. I have previously seen mismatched ABV values on bottles in this series, and this is the case here as well. The front label says 57 %, and the back label says 57,9 %. I believe 57 % is the correct value.

Nose (22/25): Bourbon-like on the nose. Sweet with vanilla, bananas and oaky notes. Mild spices, dust, and the smell of newly cut timber. There is a tiny hint of smoke somewhere in the background.

Taste (22/25): Dark, sugar sweet honey and caramel. Thick and rich mouth feel. Vanilla, dark chocolate and freshly ground black pepper corns.

Finish (22/25): Almost too sweet; lots of honey and dark chocolate. Almost acidic at the end; sort of a fresh citrus-like kick in the behind just when you least expect it!

Balance (22/25): A lovely whisky, and very well-balanced for such a young whisky. I think the use of new oak works very well here.

Score (88/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas