Hanyu Joker Ichiro's Malt 1985 57.7% 1985

Professionele reviews

Serge Valentin (87)

A vatting of the 1985, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1991 and 2000 vintages, from various wood types.

Colour: dark gold.

Nose: a lighter style after the Monochrome, with much more vanilla, as well as more earth and even humus. Hints of ale, then truffles, warm sawdust, bitter oranges and just a touch of warm milk, or mashed potatoes. Also touches of fern, moss… With water: whiffs of warm tarmac, more mashed potatoes, truffle oil… It may be a tad butyric.

Mouth (neat): I have to say I like this palate even better than the Monochrome’s, it’s more complex, and earthier. I love earthy notes in my whiskies! Tobacco, soot, lime, papayas again, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, more earth… What’s not to like? With water: the essential oils stand out, pine resin, eucalyptus… I also find notes of cooked butter.

Finish: long, better rounded than the monochrome. Christmas cake, gingerbread and cinnamon cake.

Comments: I don’t find it perfect, but I liked it better than the monochrome. Come on!

Words of Whisky (91)

BOW (90)

Hanyu “The Joker” - Best Japanese Whisky Of The Year - according to the Whisky Advocate Magazine!