A lovely blended whisky from Japan created by Ichiro Akuto at Chichibu Distillery, with additional whiskeys from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the United States. Few whiskies from those countries to match this blend. Ichiro’s Malt and Grain does everything I want and rarely find in a whisky: it’s on the sweeter side but in a way that’s not overpowering – allowing for a range of earthy and spicy flavors. The first sip begins with vanilla and the faintest hints of sweet tropical fruit and flowers. That gradually transitions to more of a hazelnut-like vanilla with a flare of ginger to it, gradually building in spiciness as a notes of pepper and peat develop. Aged in Sake casks.