Distillery: Hanyu Age: NAS ABV: 58% Volume: 70cl Vintage: 1986 Condition: Sealed, unopened Hanyu Distillery holds an almost mythical status among whisky connoisseurs, renowned for its distinctive Japanese single malts produced before its closure in 2000. Located in Saitama Prefecture, its legacy was famously preserved by Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the founder, who salvaged the remaining casks and brought them to market under the Ichiro's Malt banner. This act of foresight transformed Hanyu into one of the most sought-after distilleries, with its limited bottlings commanding premium prices among global collectors due to their exceptional quality and extreme rarity. This 1986 vintage bottling represents a precious snapshot of Hanyu's distilling prowess from its final operational years, making it exceptionally rare and highly coveted. Part of the iconic Ichiro's Malt series, these releases are celebrated for showcasing the distillery's unique character, often matured in a variety of cask types that impart remarkable complexity. Each bottle from this era is a testament to a bygone era of Japanese whisky production, offering a direct link to the distillery's storied past and serving as a cornerstone piece for any serious collector of world-class single malts. Tasting Notes: Colour: Deep amber, rich mahogany Nose: Complex and elegant, opening with ripe orchard fruits, dried apricots, and delicate floral notes, underpinned by polished oak, a hint of exotic spice, and a subtle wisp of incense Palate: A profound and luxurious mouthfeel, revealing layers of sweet malt, dark honey, stewed apples, and plums, interwoven with ginger, cinnamon, and a gentle earthy richness, leading to a sophisticated interplay of fruit and oak Finish: Exceptionally long and evolving, leaving a warm embrace of lingering spices, dark chocolate, dried fruit, and a refined oak dryness that slowly fades, inviting further contemplation