2000 Hanyu Distillery Ichiro's Malt Ace of Clubs Cask No.9523 Cask Strength Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)

Extremely rare. Normally only available via auction - or if you visit Japan and taste it in a bar. Part of the "Card Series', the Ace of Clubs was distilled in 2000 at the now closed Hanyu Distillery. Caught by the Japanese recession, the operation shut down the same year. Enter Ichiro Akuto, the grandson of the founder. Akuto purchased the remaining casks, progressively marketing them under playing card labels. Since then the Card series has garnered a cult following, with cashed-up collectors vying to secure all 54 bottles in the set.

This edition was bottled in 2012 after initial maturation in a hogshead followed by a finish in a Mizunara Japanese oak cask.One only to sell. 59.4% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Ichiro loves Japanese oak (mizunara) and here’s a finished example. You need water, however, to be able to discern those characteristic incense notes. Without it, you’re in a world of vanilla and resin. The neat palate is hot but firm, with some red fruits and an allspice note. Water is needed, and does allow a fresh acidity to come through on the finish; sadly it also adds tannic bitterness. A tricky balancing act.
81 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Dave Broom (Summer 2013)

Nose: very fragrant, old temples, marzipan and a hint of eucalyptus; Palate: candied orange peel, tropical fruit punch; lots of wood spice; Finish: very long; spicy elements slowly fade leaving an incense afterglow. With the ‘Ace of Clubs’ and the ‘Six of Hearts’ – it depends on the mood I’m in: some days, I just can’t get enough of the mizunara aura of the former; other days, I really enjoy the contrast between the nose and the palate of the latter. If you ever come across one of these Cards that’s open – at a friend’s place or at a bar – don’t hesitate! With so many of them just sitting in collections, it would be a crime not to assist them in fulfilling their destiny, which is: to spoil the senses with a pleasure only they are capable of giving. - nonjatta.com