Ichiro’s Malt and Grain 111 is more than just the sum of its parts. This U.S. exclusive bottling is in no small way, a revelation in blending. Not just a stronger version of the classic “white label” world blend, the 111 gets a reformulation entirely. Like others in this series, the 111 is an exploration of the world’s major whisky producing regions, blending malt and grain whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and America. These whiskies ranging from 4-17 years in age are married with Ichiro’s own 5 year old single malt at Chichibu. Unlike its prior white and blue label releases, Ichiro’s Malt and Grain 111 sees the inclusion of peated malt into its blend, giving the whisky a subtly smokey depth. Additionally, the ABV has been raised to a sturdy 55.5% (111 proof) marking the first time this core blend has been bottled at such a high strength outside of a distillery exclusive release. The complex aromatics show cola, shortbread, and sweet tobacco. Flavors of candied orange slices and dried pineapple build to a slightly smokey finish, flush with tropical fruit and sea salt. Ichiro and his team of dedicated craftspeople at Chichibu underscore the argument that blended whisky is anything but inferior to single malt.