Tasting: Hanyu Five of Spades Japanese Malt

Today, I'm diving into a special tasting of the Hanyu Five of Spades Japanese Malt. Though it's rare for me to blog on consecutive days, I'm sticking to my promise from yesterday. With my optimistic and sunny disposition (especially after a few sips), let's see how long I can keep this momentum. I'm in the midst of distillery profile research, but I'm determined to get at least one more post out before Friday.

Let's get straight to it. Introducing Hanyu Distillery's Ichiro’s Card Series: Five of Spades.

History of Hanyu Distillery

The Hanyu Distillery has a rich history dating back to 1941, founded by Isouji Akuto, a 19th-generation descendant of a long line of sake brewers. Situated in the Saitama Prefecture of Japan, the distillery initially produced sake and shochu before transitioning to whisky production in the 1980s. However, due to financial difficulties and declining demand for Japanese whisky, Hanyu ceased production in 2000, and the distillery was dismantled in 2004.

Ichiro Akuto, the grandson of the founder, salvaged the remaining stock of whisky casks from the defunct distillery. He later established Venture Whisky Ltd. and began bottling these casks under the now-famous Ichiro’s Malt Card Series, which has since become highly coveted among collectors and enthusiasts.

Creation Process of Hanyu Five of Spades

The Hanyu Five of Spades is part of Ichiro’s Malt Card Series, a unique collection representing each card in a deck, including the jokers. This particular whisky was distilled in 2000, the final year of production at Hanyu, and bottled in 2008. It was matured in a hogshead and finished in an American Oak refill sherry butt, which contributes to its complex flavor profile.

The creation process involved traditional Scottish methods combined with Japanese precision. The malt was carefully selected and distilled in pot stills, then aged in a hogshead cask to develop its initial character. The finishing process in the sherry butt added layers of richness and complexity, resulting in a whisky with a unique balance of flavors.

Product Details


  • Cask: #9601
  • Distilled: 2000
  • Bottled: 2008
  • Maturation: Hogshead
  • Finish: American Oak refill sherry butt
  • ABV: 60.5%
  • Bottles Produced: 632

Historical Context

2000 was the final year of distillation at Hanyu Distillery, and the stills were dismantled in 2004. This particular bottling is part of Ichiro’s Card Series, a sought-after collection among whisky enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes

Nose (N)

At full strength, the initial nose is dominated by a sharp alcohol prickle, typical of a whisky at 60.5% ABV. Given time to open up, it reveals delightful notes of hot-buttered toast, malt loaf, and raisins. As it evolves, nutty aromas of hazelnut, almond, and walnut come to the forefront, accompanied by the unexpected presence of old seasoned wood, which is quite remarkable for a relatively young whisky.

Nose with Water: Adding water transforms it into a more approachable and genial spirit. The strong notes of polished wood and clean malt become more prominent, with a subtle hint of briar and berries. The wood influence remains more pronounced than anticipated.

Palate (P)

At full strength, the palate is initially overwhelmed by a big nuttiness, but the high alcohol content can be quite challenging. A few drops of water are essential to fully appreciate its complexity.

Palate with Water: With water, it unveils woody and peppery notes, dried apricots, lingering spices, and a hint of tweed, creating a rich and textured experience.

Finish (F)

The finish is quite hot at full strength, but water tames it into a long-lasting and persistent sensation with hot chili pepper and woody spices.

The Hanyu Five of Spades is a fascinating and complex whisky. Despite its youth, it exhibits a significant wood influence and an old-fashioned style. If tasted blind, it could easily be mistaken for a 15-18 year old Highland malt rather than a Japanese one. This whisky definitely benefits from the addition of water, although it slightly loses body as a result. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it's a rewarding experience for those who appreciate a bold and unique malt.

Why It's a Collectible

The Hanyu Five of Spades, and the entire Ichiro’s Malt Card Series, have gained legendary status among whisky collectors. Several factors contribute to its collectible nature:

  1. Historical Significance: As one of the last whiskies distilled at Hanyu, it represents a piece of Japanese whisky history. The distillery's closure and the limited remaining stock make these bottles highly sought after.

  2. Limited Production: With only 632 bottles produced, the scarcity of this whisky adds to its allure. Each bottle is a rare find, making it a prized possession for collectors.

  3. Unique Series: The Card Series concept, with each bottle representing a card in a deck, creates a sense of completion and exclusivity. Collectors are often driven to acquire the entire series, adding to the demand.

  4. Quality and Craftsmanship: The meticulous creation process and the high-quality results speak for themselves. The distinct flavors and craftsmanship appeal to connoisseurs who appreciate the artistry of whisky-making.

  5. Ichiro Akuto’s Legacy: Ichiro Akuto’s dedication to preserving his family’s whisky heritage and his innovative approach have cemented his reputation in the whisky world. Owning a bottle from his series is owning a piece of his legacy.

The Hanyu Five of Spades is more than just a whisky; it is a testament to the rich history and craftsmanship of the Hanyu Distillery and Ichiro Akuto's dedication to preserving his family's legacy. With its unique blend of traditional Scottish methods and Japanese precision, this whisky stands out with its complex flavor profile, marked by notes of seasoned wood, nuts, and spices. The careful maturation process, combined with the rarity of its production, makes it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The allure of the Hanyu Five of Spades lies not only in its exquisite taste but also in its story—a piece of Japanese whisky history that survived the distillery's closure and now thrives in the hands of discerning collectors. Its place in the Ichiro’s Malt Card Series adds to its mystique, making it a coveted item for those looking to complete the deck.

The Hanyu Five of Spades is a bold and unique malt that offers a rewarding experience for those who appreciate the finer nuances of whisky. It’s a whisky that demands respect, patience, and a bit of water to unlock its full potential, making it a standout addition to any whisky collection. Cheers to exploring and savoring this exceptional piece of whisky heritage!

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