Ichiro's Malt Chichibu IPA Cask Finish vs Yamazaki 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
Yamazaki Single Malt
ABV
Ichiro's 57.5%
Yamazaki 43%
Age Statement
Ichiro's NAS
Yamazaki 18 years
Price Tier
Ichiro's $500+
Yamazaki $500+
Distillery
Ichiro's Chichibu Distillery
Yamazaki Yamazaki Distillery
JSLMA Compliant
Ichiro's Yes
Yamazaki Yes

Tasting Notes

Nose
Ichiro's Malt Chichibu IPA Cask Finish

Hoppy citrus, tropical fruit, honeyed malt, vanilla

Yamazaki 18 Year Old

Deep aromas of dark chocolate, raisins, sherry and blackcurrant with hints of incense and Mizunara oak.

Palate
Ichiro's Malt Chichibu IPA Cask Finish

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

Yamazaki 18 Year Old

Rich and complex with dried fruits, dark chocolate, cinnamon and a deep oakiness. Very full bodied.

Finish
Ichiro's Malt Chichibu IPA Cask Finish

Long hoppy bitterness with vanilla sweetness and gentle oak

Yamazaki 18 Year Old

Exceptionally long with lingering spices, dark fruit, and sandalwood.

Key Differences

  • Ichiro's Malt Chichibu IPA Cask Finish comes in stronger at 57.5% ABV compared to Yamazaki 18 Year Old's 43%.
  • Yamazaki 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 Yamazaki Distillery.

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