CHICHIBU 2011 Beer Barrel Tay Bak Chiang #2

Nose : fine, classic. First, notes of new oak clearly dominate the palette, so much so that they give the nose a thick grainy texture. Allowed to breath, it becomes considerably refined, allowing the expression of citrus fruit (lemon, grapefruit), vanilla, sweet almond and spices (pepper, cloves). As time goes on, it becomes increasingly powerful, evolving tremendous minerality and purity.

Palate : fine, firm. The grainy, fibrous character of the nose has given way to a very smooth mouthfeel. With exceptionally fruity freshness (plum, pear), it is also characterised by extremely elegant creamy notes (chocolate mousse, vanilla custard). Very juicy William pears are then revealed alongside cut grass and root ginger. The chocolatey energy remains intense.

Overall : long, serene. Very closely connected to the palate, it draws the tasting out with juiciness and silkiness. Giving a sense of completeness, it returns to the initial nose, and even transcends it. The palate reaches its peak, with the Chichibu showing incredible integrity and class. It lingers with black fruit (blackberry, blueberry), courgette flowers and “Fleur de Bière” eau-de-vie. The retro-nasal olfaction is wonderfully lemony, with the empty glass going right to the heart of the matter, expressing malted barley and a very delicate woodiness.