Chichibu Ichiro's Malt Wine Wood Reserve

46.5% ABV. Like the other Leaf Series bottlings, Ichiro’s Malt Wine Wood Reserve is a blend of single malts from Hanyu and Chichibu. The Hanyu element is composed of Whisky that was matured in French oak that previously contained Japanese red wine, while the Chichibu portion matured in the unique Ovum casks (20-hectolitre egg-shaped barrels made from French oak), shaped in the Charente region by Taransaud.

It’s a deeply coloured malt (naturally so) with a uniquely vinous nose and nut, berry and spice overtones. The palate continues the spicy theme, with balancing sweetness and a finish tinged with dark chocolate and a whisper of smoke. Ask any distiller, and they will tell you that wine cask finishes can be tricky to pull off; you’re in safe hands with this masterpiece.