Several Japanese whisky distilleries have produced legendary lines of whisky bottles, and Ichiro’s Malt Card Series is one of them. Just like a deck of playing cards, this unique collection features 54 bottles that represent each card in a deck. Each vintage bottle has its own original card label, but not only that – they each have their own one-of-a-kind, luscious flavors that make them even more irresistible.
Hanyu Distillery – The Creator of the Famous Ichiro’s Malt Card Series
Hanyu Distillery, now a closed whisky distillery, was one of the most renowned distilleries in Japan just like the Karuizawa Distillery. Even though the Hanyu Distillery was for whisky production, this family business went further back in Japanese history. In 1626, the Akuto Family were sake makers in Chichibu. But that changed when, in 1941, the family established a business in Hanyu and began producing Scotch-like whiskey. During the time of its opening, Hanyu Distillery created the Ichiro’s Malt Card Series line, but this popular distillery closed down in 2000. However, there was still stock left behind, which an heir of the Akuto Family inherited, and that’s why the Hanyu legend continues living today. The entire collection is so rare and valuable that it even sold for nearly $490,000 in an auction!
Dekanta’s Exclusive Display of the Ichiro’s Malt Card Series
The Ichiro’s Malt Card Series is almost impossible to find due to its rarity. These collectible Japanese whisky bottles are scattered around the world, offered in auctions or sold elsewhere. At Dekanta, though, we also offer many of the cards from the original Card Series. Here are several available cards from Dekanta’s own collection:
The Joker – Colored and Monochrome
The Joker was the last card in the famous Ichiro’s Malt Card Series, and the colored and monochrome version of the Joker were bottled in 2014 and distilled between 1985 to 2000. Both of the Jokers have their own unique tasting notes, so they don’t just have different card label designs. The Monochrome Joker aged in a single cask (quite fitting for the name “Monochrome”) while the Colored Joker matured in various casks, such as bourbon and sherry, which gives the Colored Joker Japanese whisky a more “colorful” flavor.
- Distilled in 2000, Bottled in 2012
- Infused with spices and a fruity zing
- Fills your mouth with a spicy blast at first, followed by an afterglow
- Other Ace Cards Available: Ace of Diamonds
- Distilled in 1986, Bottled in 2009
- Bold spicy flavor with light hints of fruit and sweetness that fills your mouth with satisfying tastes – ideal for the King of Hearts card!
- Distilled in 2000, Bottled in 2012
- Earthy flavors that make you dream of the beautiful autumn season
- Other Queen Cards Available: Queen of Clubs, Queen of Spades
- Distilled in 1985, Bottled in 2007
- Strong, woody flavor with vanilla and fruity tastes that follow behind
- Other Jack Cards Available: Jack of Diamonds
- Distilled in 1990, Bottled in 2008
- A lovely mellow taste that surprises you with a burst of spiciness and zest
- Other 10 Cards Available: 10 of Hearts
- Distilled in 1985, Bottled in 2009
- Red berries are the main stars and mixed in with floral, vanilla, oak, and herbs for a unique and fresh blend
- Other Nine Cards Available: Nine of Spades
- Distilled in 1991, Bottled in 2009
- A dark, mysterious number that features a deep oak flavor with complementing notes of fruit and sherry, finishing off with refreshing citrus
- Other Eight Cards Available: Eight of Clubs
- Distilled in 1990, Bottled in 2009
- A whisky with a wine-like taste, rich in floral, fruity flavors and aroma
- Other Seven Cards Available: Seven of Diamonds, Seven of Spades
- Distilled in 2000, Bottled in 2009
- Upfront spicy flavor that isn’t afraid to make itself known, but with a light, long-lasting finish with hints of fruit, vanilla, and sherry
- Distilled in 2000, Bottled in 2012
- Prickly, spicy cinnamon-like taste with sweet and fruity notes
- Distilled in 2000, Bottled in 2011
- Deep flavor that highlights the perfect blend of sherry, fruit, honey, and walnut tastes with a finishing note of woody, refreshing eucalyptus essence
- Distilled in 2000, Bottled in 2010
- Sweet, jam-like taste followed by tingling spiciness and a woody background flavor
- Distilled in 1991, Bottled in 2011
- Silky smooth texture with fruity, candy-like sweetness that blends with the spicy flavors present in this exquisite bottle
- Other Two Cards Available: Two of Hearts
Published: September 24, 2016Author: Emily