Ichiro’s Malt recently excited the whisky world by adding a brand new world blended offering to their core range. The Ichiro’s Malt 505 World Blended Whisky follows in the footsteps of the popular whisky producer’s white label and award-winning purple label world blended expressions and it looks set to be just as successful.

Released to support Japanese bars and restaurants through the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, which has devastated hospitality industries around the world, this exciting new expression is now popping up in some retail stores too.

Ichiro’s & World Blended Whisky

Ichiro’s Malt & Grain have a history of producing top quality world blended expressions. In fact, they have been leaders in developing the rapidly growing category, valuing transparency and honesty above all else, while managing to produce some world-beating whiskies at the same time.

Their purple label expression has now won several awards throughout the years and has become a staple of not only the Japanese whisky drinker, but whisky drinkers around the world. Their white label expression is similarly revered. 

The reputation, and global reach, that they have built up through these whiskies has worked wonders for the world blended category, turning it from an untested and untrusted ugly sister of the whisky world, into a well-defined and intriguing category that has captured the imagination of enthusiasts everywhere. 

In light of the Ichiro’s Malt World Blended releases, we have seen similar expressions released by producers in Japan, Scotland and the USA, as distillers come to realise the possibilities when one is not limited to using spirit from a single country.

Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 505

The Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 505 is the latest addition to the bottler’s World Blended lineup and it’s just as exciting as the ones that have come before. 

Ichiro’s haven’t gone into detail about exactly what whiskies this blend contains, but given some of the spirit from their popular Chichibu distillery is now over 10 years old, it’s expected that a healthy portion is included here. 

It brings malt, tropical fruits, gentle oak and a stick sweetness on the nose, before the palate arrives with hints of orange peel, sliced apple, vanilla and gentle toffee. The finish is long and nutty, with gentle oak and freshly picked blackberries lingering in the background.

It’s another fantastic expression from one of Japan’s premier distillers, blenders and bottlers, and one will be enjoyed by millions around the world.

With the 505, Ichiro’s Malt & Grain have once again showcased their ability to create compelling and intriguing world blended expressions that have plenty for the avid whisky drinker to explore. The category is rapidly expanding, with new expressions now being released with some regularity, and we only expect it to continue to grow in the near future. 

Of course, Ichiro Akuto and his team are likely to be at the forefront of this and it’s no wonder when they’re capable of producing whiskies as accomplished and delicious as the 505.

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