Hanyu - Ace of Spades

[thewhiskyguy]

Bought this bottling from The Whisky Exchange to do a Japanese tasting 3 years ago. Mainly because I thought the Ace of Spades is pretty Rock and Roll.
The reaction to it wasn't tops, but took what was left and finished it a little while ago. Luckily had given a sample to a friend and he didn't enjoy it either, but had kept it and gave it back to me over Xmas.

Age: 21yrs?
ABV%: 55.7

Nose: Very full nose with lots complexity, off notes of creosote seam to initially overwhelm burnt treacle, dark chocolate and rich stewed fruits (raisins, figs, prunes and apricots).

Palate: Take a Japanese Woman and dip her hand into lightly curried fruits, add some dark treacle then white pepper and that equals this fist full of flavour. Is very in your face and savoury. Heavy, chewy sweetness of burn sugar, with the edge of bitter tannic, but slightly too over powering to fully enjoy.

With water this opens up slightly, but still too tannic for my taste.

Great looking range of bottles, definitely one for the collectors