Ichiro's Malt Ace of Spades

Hanyu distillery, situated in the town of Chichibu, was established in 1626 by Isouji Akuto and was a sake brewery.

Akuto began distilling malt whisky with his son after purchasing a pair of stills from Scotland in the 1980s but unfortunately at this time demand for single malt whisky was not where it is today and the Hanyu distillery was sold in 2000.

Distillation of whisky was not continued by the new owner and the stills were dismantled, the stock sold on. Isouji’s grandson, Ichiro, managed to secure some casks of the old stock and established a new distillery in 2007 on a new site in Chichibu.

In 2006 Ichiro Akuto unwittingly launched a cult series by bottling six casks from his family's Hanyu distillery and labeling them as "Ichiro's Malt Cards", starting with the Ace of Spades, Ten of Spades, Nine of Hearts, Queen of Hearts, Jack of Clubs and King of Diamonds.

Distilled: 1985

Bottled: 2006

Cask Type: Hogshead & Spanish Oak Sherry Butt

Cask Number: 9308

55.7% ABV / 70cl

Bottle Number: 55/300

Please examine the images of the bottle, any packaging and labels carefully and satisfy yourself as to their condition before making a bid.