Chichibu Ichiro's Malt IPA Cask Finish 57.5% nv

Professional reviews

BOW (88)

Nose:
Does precisely what it promises on the bottle—an immediate and assertive blast of hops, Cascade and Citra leading the charge. A swirl of fruits follows: dusty pineapple and mellow melon, wrapped in a maltiness that, given its beery roots, comes as no surprise. But then, intrigue—fresh spearmint and pine needles lend a floral counterpoint, while a whisper of earthiness and an unexpected saline touch lurk in the background (how did that sneak in?). A splash of water broadens the fruit spectrum—now orange and pear emerge—momentarily tempering the IPA influence… though patience rewards, as it resurges with force after a little time in the glass.

Taste:
A confident, no-nonsense arrival, bursting with tropical fruits—roasted pineapple, juicy guava—before bright, zesty orange steps in. But the IPA is never far behind, particularly retronasally. Citrus charges through the palate, both from the hops and the zest of peels and rinds, balanced deftly by a creamy vanilla maltiness and a distinct earthy undertone—think mushrooms and damp forest ferns. Florals persist, pine still present but now entwined with an unexpected lavender note. Water once again shifts the balance, ushering in stone fruits—ripe peach, soft apricot—alongside a delicate chalkiness. And just as with the nose, the beer influence momentarily recedes when reduced… before roaring back after a short rest.

Finish:
Long, lingering, and unmistakably hoppy. Dusty pepper, a flicker of light ginger, and an abundance of tart citrus—Citra leaving its indelible mark to the very last.