Ichiro's Malt Chichibu IPA Cask Finish vs Hakushu 18 Year Old

A side-by-side look at two Japanese whiskies to help you decide which one fits your palate and budget.

At a Glance

Category
Ichiro's Single Malt
Hakushu Single Malt
ABV
Ichiro's 57.5%
Hakushu 43%
Age Statement
Ichiro's NAS
Hakushu 18 years
Price Tier
Ichiro's $500+
Hakushu $500+
Distillery
Ichiro's Chichibu Distillery
Hakushu Hakushu Distillery
JSLMA Compliant
Ichiro's Yes
Hakushu Yes

Tasting Notes

Nose
Ichiro's Malt Chichibu IPA Cask Finish

Hoppy citrus, tropical fruit, honeyed malt, vanilla

Hakushu 18 Year Old

Fresh green apple, pear, light peat smoke, forest herbs, and a hint of eucalyptus

Palate
Ichiro's Malt Chichibu IPA Cask Finish

Zesty hop bitterness balanced with sweet malt, grapefruit, mango, biscuit

Hakushu 18 Year Old

Crisp citrus, green fruit, subtle smoke, white pepper, honeyed malt with a pleasantly herbal quality

Finish
Ichiro's Malt Chichibu IPA Cask Finish

Long hoppy bitterness with vanilla sweetness and gentle oak

Hakushu 18 Year Old

Long, clean, and gently smoky with lingering green fruit and fresh oak notes

Key Differences

  • Ichiro's Malt Chichibu IPA Cask Finish comes in stronger at 57.5% ABV compared to Hakushu 18 Year Old's 43%.
  • Hakushu 18 Year Old has a 18 year age statement, while Ichiro's Malt Chichibu IPA Cask Finish is a no-age-statement (NAS) release.
  • They come from different distilleries: Chichibu Distillery and Hakushu Distillery.

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