Hanyu | Whisky Lady

Day 1 at London’s Whisky Show included a couple of special Chichibu whiskies, reminding us why Japanese whiskies became so popular and coveted. So on Day 2, we decided to spend a bit of time with their blends – specifically exploring the Ichiro’s leaf line up.

Ichiro’s Malt + Grain World Whisky Blend Limited Edition 46.5%

It was very approachable on the nose, well-structured on the palate – if a bit prickly with spice for a moment before mellowing down, closing with a nicely spicy finish.

And before you completely credit Japan for this blend, you should know it is actually a mix of young whiskies from Japan, combined with whiskies also from Canada, USA and Scotland.

Ichiro’s Malt 10 year World Blend 48.5%

This was a continuation of the NAS expression, just with more character – juicy and bright. On the palate, it was a bit more woody with a finish that slowly faded away.

Ichiro’s Malt Double Distillery 46.5%

Originally this expression was more Hanyu than Chichibu. Today it is the reverse – much more Chichibu with only a bit of Hanyu – from old stock of the discontinued distillery.

The nose was much more subtle and nuanced than the 10-year-old. On the palate, it was also softer and more elegant, yet with substance. The finish was warm. This was an uncomplicated easy-drinking whisky.

Ichiro’s Malt Wine Wood Reserve Blended Malt 46.5%

Now this was a departure. The aromas were tight blueberries, currents with loads of tannins. The palate was savory and sweet with the clear stamp of dark red wine. The finish lingered.

Ichiro’s Malt MWR Blended Wood 46.8% ~GBP 100

We moved on to the Mizunara Wood Reserve. We found it much fruitier than the others with pears and white peach. There was a subtle smokey perfume – which our guide described as temple incense. He shared how the Mizunara wood is incredibly porous, hence its unique character.

Whilst this was only a simple sniff, swish, and spit through a few expressions, it was nice to visit and in a few cases revisit.

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The Isetan Department store basement in Shinjuku has a remarkable whisky collection and sampling bar – a veritable wonderland for whisky afficianados.

I was like a kid in a candy store however trying to find someone who could help was slightly challenging given my non-existent Japanese. Hence figuring out what I was potentially buying involved some guess-work.

One goal was to track down something from the elusive discontinued Karuizawa, Kawasaki or Hanyu distilleries. Which definitely meant more carefully checking out the Ichiro’s Malt offerings as they astutely bought the Kawasaki and Hanyu discontinued stock.

Ichiro’s Malt 46.5% (Whisky Lady)

However… I’m not entirely sure if I succeeded in my mission!

My best guess is that this particular whisky is a special bottling for Isetan using a blend of both rare Kawasaki whisky with Hanyu, sometimes found under the label ‘Houou-uhi’ (roughly translates as Pheonix).

If I am wrong, I would very much appreciate being corrected and educated further!

Ichiro’s Malt 46.5% from Isetan Shinjuku (Whisky Lady)

Ichiro’s Malt 46.5% (Isetan Shinjuku)

Colour – Deep copper
Nose – Lemon, mustiness of the rainy season, mud from a wet forest, nori like the seaweed used in sushi wraps, hint of jasmine perfume… as it aired a subtle complex perfume enveloped
Taste – Like a dry fine cognac, wood, oil, pepper spices, matured roasted Indian spices, sense of sea, distinctly ‘Asian’ merging sweet, salt and spice perfectly
Finish – Long majestic finish, very refined

Ichiro’s Malt 46.5%… Houou-uhi? (Whisky Lady)

Impression:

Without a doubt this was the show stopper of the evening
A grand dame in her full finery!

Unveiling:

Part way through our discussion, I received an update from my Japanese friend in Amsterdam that she also believes it is Houou-Uhi – a blend Hanyu Distillery (12 & 20 year) and single grain whiskies from Kawasaki (30, 32 and 35 year)
Bottled exclusively for Isetan and, as far as I can tell, only available in its Tokyo Shinjuku store – or perhaps on auction?
The bottle and packaging alone are unique and elegant. The only other 200 ml bottle I’ve seen is on Whisyrific’s post about Ichiro’s Malt 1991 Hanyu

However I’m still not 100% certain we correctly identified it… The bottle I have does not state that it is a blend (whereas other labels do)… and the only number I can decipher in the notes is 30 (not the other years). Despite several attempts, I cannot seem to find a combination of Ichiro’s Malt, 46.5% and 30 other than the Houou-Uhi blend!

Ichiro’s ‘Mystery’ Malt 46.5% (Whisky Lady)

PS – A couple of us revisited it last night. Alas the delightful zesty lemon nose had evaporated. The sense of seaweed also dampened however there was more of a honey vanilla that emerged and the flowery perfume remained – I would still identify it best as jasmine. The cognac-like element was prominent, as was the oak. Some also described it as having a dark bitter chocolate quality. Key was unlike many whiskies that simply do not live up to their nose – this one absolutely does! Overall brilliantly balanced. Whatever this mystery malt truly is… if you spot it, grab it!

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