Hanyu 1985 29 Years Single Malt Whisky

Whiskyspace Notes 2070

Jun 26, 2026, 15:02:12

Took a sip and immediately hit by this polished oak warmth, like an old wooden chest you’d find in a countryside manor. There’s something citrusy cutting through it—Blood oranges maybe?—but then these Turkish delights sweetness and figs come in, all sticky and rich. Shortbread biscuits too, weirdly comforting. The cloves and ginger start to build, almost too spicy, makes me a bit nervous actually, like I need to be careful with water here. Lot of oak, right enough, dries the palate proper, but then this agave tang pops up? Odd, but works. Amber color, obviously, and the finish is long—like, really long—lingering with tobacco and rosewood. Zesty lime at the back, that’s nice. Gasp, thought it was gonna blow my head off, but no, it’s well balanced. Perfect integration, somehow. Only thing is, fetching insane prices these days, but maybe that’s just me getting old. Still, would drink again. 🥃

Damien Bell

May 27, 2026, 07:29:48

Poured a glass of this the other night. The colour's a lovely deep amber. On the nose, it's got that really typical Japanese oakiness, all polished oak and a bit of rosewood. There's also a whiff of something grassier, like fresh tea tannins, and a surprising hit of papayas and lime zest. Quite citrusy, actually. First sip, wow, it's very rich and a bit too spicy for me. Big cloves and ginger right upfront, kind of drying. Then the fruit comes through – figs, dates, a bit of marmalade. It's a bit nervous and young, but not in a bad way. The finish has this chewy shortbread and chocolate note, with a last bit of tobacco. Definitely one to take careful with water – a few drops really open it up, bringing out those Turkish delights and agave sweetness. The oak is a lot of oak, no doubt. A proper winter warmer. 🥃 Heard these particular bottles are fetching insane prices now, which is mad.

Tina Edwards

May 21, 2026, 16:41:46

Warm and cosy dram 🥃 I’m getting honey, soft oak, a bit of dried fruit and gentle spice. Feels smooth, slightly sweet, with a nice warming finish. Easy to sip on a chilly evening.

Grace Moore

May 18, 2026, 21:01:02

Warm and a bit smoky, with a sweet oaky feel 🥃 I get vanilla, spice, and a wee bit of dried fruit. Quite cosy, slightly peppery, and lingers nicely. Nice dram for a quiet evening.

Graham Harrison

May 12, 2026, 22:20:52

Right, just had a sip of this one. On the nose, it's a bit like a cozy evening by the fire – you get that proper smoky peat, right up front, but then there's this lovely sweetness underneath, kinda like burnt toffee or caramel. A little hint of fresh apple skin, too. 🍎 Taste-wise, it's surprisingly smooth! The smoke is still there, but it's joined by some warm spices – a bit of cinnamon and black pepper. There's a definite vanilla creaminess, and something oaky. It makes me think of spiced apple pie, honestly. 🥧 The finish is long and warming, leaving a gentle peppery spice and that sweet smoke hanging around. Really quite moreish. A proper winter dram, this. 🔥