Nose: Pu-erh tea, struck match, burnt twigs, varnish, mixed peel, grapefruit.
Palate: Adds the following to the nose. Fig jam, burnt popcorn and green grapes. Water ramps up bitter elements.
Finish: Earthy, bitter and lots of burnt notes(twigs, popcorn, struck match).
Last Word: Fairly unpleasant and tough for me to finish, especially with water added. For lovers of ‘dirty’ sherry style whiskies a la many a Karuizawa.
Rating: 76/100
*Notes taken from a purchased sample.
Hi Brian,
Agree “it’s mostly the sherry cask matured/finished stock that disappoints me” to a certain extend. Exceptions may be the Ace of Spades, Ace of Hearts, and the 5 of Diamonds. What do you think?
Hi Aaron,
Have not tried the Ace of Hearts, have some samples of the 5 of Diamonds to review at a later date and the Ace of Spades is the best sherry cask matured Hanyu I have tried so far. As we have discussed, it’s the sherry cask matured that have mostly disappointed, the port casks have not in my/our experience.
Brian
I thought I saw you tried the 5 of diamonds in front of my eyes… Or maybe I had too much that day? 🙂
Well we all had plenty but that was early in the day Aaron ; ). The Venture whisky stand was best in show in my opinion. At any rate, I have had a little sip of my sample, though haven’t form an opinion yet.
A very special whisky, some friends adored him(it) but others hated him(it)
Well I’m glad I only I only bought a sample Rauol not the amount a full bottle goes for these days. I’ve paid $8 for a bottle of Japanese whisky that I preferred. The other thing is I’ve tasted a lot of Hanyu whisky and find it’s mostly the sherry cask matured/finished stock that disappoints me. Other than those, I’m a big fan of Hanyu.
Brian