Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain Batch #596

Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky is a masterful blend that uses ingredients from different whisky producing regions worldwide. A creation of Ichiro Akuto, founder of Chichibu Distillery, this blend combines both malt and grain whiskies to offer a unique and harmonious taste experience.

The main ingredients are carefully selected malt whiskies from Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the United States, combined with high-quality grain whiskies. This diverse selection of whiskies creates a complex and layered flavour. Chichibu's Japanese malt whiskies contribute refined and elegant notes of fruit and flowers, while the Scottish and Irish malt whiskies provide a rich and smoky depth. The American and Canadian whiskies add subtle hints of vanilla, caramel and spices.

Tasting note

Colour

Upon pouring, you immediately notice the beautiful, golden hue that invites a first sip.

Nose

On the nose, this World Blended Whisky opens with a complex aroma combination of honeyed malt, subtle vanilla notes and a hint of dried fruit. The bouquet is complemented by a hint of oak and a slight spiciness that makes the taste curious.

Taste

The first sip reveals a rich and full flavour experience. A nice balance between sweet notes of caramel and butterscotch, with underlying layers of citrus and green apple. As the whisky develops on the palate, nuances of roasted nuts and a delicate spiciness emerge. The texture is silky smooth, adding to the elegance of this whisky.

Finish

The finish is long and warming, with lingering hints of oak and a gently spicy aftertaste that invites another sip. Ichiro's Malt & Grain is a sublime blend that will please both the connoisseur and the newcomer with its complex yet accessible character.

Chichibu Distillery

Chichibu Distillery is located in the mountainous region of Saitama, Japan, about 100 kilometres northwest of Tokyo. Founded in 2008 by Ichiro Akuto, a leading figure in the Japanese whisky world, Chichibu has quickly established itself as a leading distillery.

A unique feature of Chichibu is its focus on artisan production and small-scale approach. The distillery uses locally grown barley and water from the nearby Arakawa River, which contributes to the purity and character of their whiskies. Chichibu is known for its complex and balanced flavour profiles, with notes of vanilla, fruit, spices and a subtle hint of smoke.

Chichibu matures its whiskies in a variety of casks, including ex-bourbon, sherry, and Japanese mizunara oak casks, creating a unique and layered flavour experience. The distillery is renowned for its craftsmanship and dedication to quality, as evidenced by the international recognition and awards their whiskies have received.

Visitors to Chichibu Distillery can participate in tours and tastings, experiencing the passion and craftsmanship behind these special Japanese whiskies. The combination of traditional techniques, innovative maturation and a beautiful location makes Chichibu a respected name in the world of whisky.