Ichiro’s Malt launched their World Blended range in 2018 with the inaugural Ichiro’s Malt World Blended Whisky. It was carefully crafted by their master blenders, who possess a plethora of skill and experience, who worked with whisky from both Japan and overseas to create a well-rounded and ultimately delicious expression. It thrust the World Blended Category to the forefront of everyone’s attention and it’s quality quickly helped to wash away the perception that it is in some way wrong to blend whisky from different countries around the world. Through the release of their World Blended Whisky range, Ichiro’s helped to show the possibilities within the industry when everyone is working towards the same goal - producing stunning expressions - while remaining open at the same time. Ichiro’s Malt World Blended Whisky 2020 The Ichiro’s Malt World Blended Whisky 2020 is our favourite expression in the range to date. It was created using whisky from the Chichibu distillery, blended together with whisky from Scotland, the USA, Canada and Ireland. The master blenders behind the bottling have clearly taken a great deal of time and care over the expression, managing to carefully balance the whiskies from each region to create a delicate, fruity, complex and infinitely intriguing release. It brings gentle vanilla and coconut on the nose that start off quietly before the whisky opens up with pear, lemon zest and floral honey. The palate follows with creamy toffee, honey, more vanilla and hints of sweet citrus. This is all backed up by subtle peppercorn and cinnamon spice that work in tandem with the fruity notes, resulting in a truly balanced tasting experience. The finish is medium to long and leaves spiced vanilla and sweet fruits lingering. Not only is this the finest world blended whisky we have tried yet, but it also ranks up there with the best Japan produced blends we have ever tasted, and, in our humble opinion, could compete with the likes of the Hibiki expressions in terms of overall drinking experience.