Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain Limited Edition Batch #53

The difference between the regular Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain and the Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain Limited Edition lies mainly in the selection of whiskies, maturation and production quantity, leading to different flavour profiles and exclusivity levels.

• The Limited Edition contains an even finer selection of malt and grain whiskies, often using older and rarer casks. This selection creates a more complex and layered taste experience.
• The Limited Edition often uses special casks, such as rare sherry casks or longer maturities in mizunara oak casks, creating a deeper and more complex flavour.
• As the name suggests, it is produced in limited quantities, adding to its exclusivity.

Tasting note

Nose

The nose opens with a refined complexity, rich in dried fruits such as figs and dates, complemented by honeyed aromas and notes of vanilla. A subtle hint of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg follows, mixed with a slight floral undertone. The influence of Mizunara oak casks is evident with delicate hints of sandalwood and incense.

Taste

At the first sip, a rich and full-bodied flavour reveals itself. Notes of ripe apples and pears mingle with caramel and toffee, creating a sweet and creamy texture. The presence of ex-bourbon casks adds layers of vanilla and coconut. Spicy accents emerge in the middle palette, with hints of oak and a touch of pepper, providing a balanced depth. The legacy of the Hanyu distillery is noticeable in the complex and well-integrated flavours.

Finish

The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of sweet spices and a gentle smokiness that slowly fades. The subtle influence of Mizunara oak offers a unique exotic touch, with hints of sandalwood and incense. The whole is rounded off with a delicate nuttiness, leaving a lasting impression with every sip.

Overall impression

Ichiro's Malt & Grain Limited Edition is a masterfully balanced whisky, offering a harmonious blend of sweetness, spiciness and woody complexity. The influence of Mizunara oak and the legacy of the Hanyu distillery come together beautifully, making this limited edition a real treat for aficionados and an excellent choice for special occasions.

Chichibu Distillery

Chichibu Distillery is located in the picturesque town of Chichibu, about 100 kilometres northwest of Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 2008 by Ichiro Akuto, a renowned name in the Japanese whisky industry, Chichibu has quickly built a reputation for producing high-quality craft whiskies.

A unique feature of Chichibu is the use of locally grown barley and pure water from the surrounding mountains, which contributes to the exceptional quality of their whisky. The distillery combines traditional techniques with innovative approaches, including the use of a wide range of casks such as ex-bourbon, sherry and Japanese Mizunara oak casks. This creates complex and sophisticated flavour profiles.

Chichibu whiskies are known for their rich and versatile character, with notes of vanilla, fruit, spice and sometimes a subtle smokiness. The attention to detail and craftsmanship of Ichiro Akuto and his team are reflected in the international recognition and awards their whiskies have received.

The combination of a beautiful location, high-quality local ingredients and a strong commitment to quality makes Chichibu Distillery a respected name in the world of Japanese whisky.