Hanyu 23 years old Cask Strength - b. 2000s - 700ml

Distillery: Hanyu
Age: 23 Years Old
ABV: 55.5%
Volume: 70cl
Vintage: Non-Vintage
Condition: Sealed, unopened

Hanyu Distillery, though now silent, holds an almost mythical status in the world of Japanese whisky. Established in 1941 by Isouji Akuto, a descendant of a long line of sake brewers, it was located in Saitama Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo. It ceased production in 2000, but its remaining stock, particularly the 'Ichiro's Malt' series, has become legendary among collectors due to its exceptional quality and extreme rarity, meticulously preserved by Ichiro Akuto.

This 23-year-old Ichiro's Malt Cask Strength expression is a testament to Hanyu's revered craftsmanship and the scarcity of its remaining aged whiskies. Bottled at natural cask strength, it offers an unadulterated glimpse into the distillery's unique character, often showcasing a complex interplay of fruit, spice, and oak derived from a careful selection of casks. Each release from the silent Hanyu distillery is a highly sought-after collector's item, representing a finite piece of Japanese whisky history and commanding significant attention in the secondary market.

Tasting Notes:
Colour: Deep burnished gold to rich amber
Nose: Rich and complex, with an abundance of dried dark fruits, candied orange peel, polished antique oak, and notes of exotic spices, layered with hints of leather and pipe tobacco.
Palate: Full-bodied and viscous, delivering a profound depth of flavour featuring dark chocolate, ripe figs, tropical fruit compote, and a delightful warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, balanced by integrated oak tannins.
Finish: Exceptionally long and evolving, with lingering notes of sweet malt, dark fruit, a gentle spicy warmth, and a subtle dryness from the aged wood.