Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu Chibidaru 53.5%
Dist: 2010 Btl: 2014
Tasted: Jan 2015
Nose: Quite citric and grainy with hints of wheat flakes and herbal rye-like notes. Young and intense with an almost saline astringency. A very light hint of sultana and white grape appears and with time a touch of toffee coated banana. Water brings out the fragrant honey and soft barley.
Palate: A little tart and astringent with herbal rye-like notes and menthol. Subdued oak and fleshy fruit sit beneath but the alcohol masks any further development. Water makes it simpler, emphasising the light toffee and honey but there is less herbal character now.
Finish: Intense, dry, mouth-watering and herbal with sinus clearing menthol along with hints of heather and coffee.
Conclusion: Although a drop of water impinges upon its complexity it does make it easier to drink.
Ichiros Malt Chichibu Single Cask No3867 59.4%
Tasted: Feb 2016
Nose: Oily green citrus and barley with some oxidised apricot and hints of menthol, turmeric and marjoram. Beautifully honeyed with hints of malt biscuits.
Palate: Soft, juicy, oxidised fruit with a serious herbal character . Hints of menthol juniper and soy sauce? A little confected but pleasantly intense.
Finish: Long with green oak, juniper and a slightly meaty/ beefy after-taste.
Conclusion: Quite unusual but enjoyable
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 