Chichibu Ichiro's Malt Wine Wood Reserve Batch #88

Ichiro's Wine Wood Reserve is a special whisky distinguished by its unique maturation in wine casks, which adds depth and complexity to the flavour. This whisky is a blend of carefully selected malt whiskies from Chichibu Distillery and the now-closed Hanyu Distillery. The Wine Wood Reserve is further matured in carefully selected French wine casks after an initial maturation.

Tasting note

Nose

The nose opens with rich complexity, in which ripe red fruits such as berries, cherries and plums immediately stand out. These are accompanied by sweet aromas of honey and vanilla. Subtle hints of dark chocolate and toffee add depth. There is also a delicate floral undertone, reminiscent of blooming flowers, with a touch of spiciness and the influence of French wine casks, making for a light, elegant wine-like scent.

Taste

At the first sip, a full and luscious flavour reveals itself. Notes of juicy berries and ripe cherries mingle with layers of caramel and toffee, creating a sweet and creamy texture. The midpalate brings out spicy accents such as cinnamon and nutmeg, with a subtle hint of oak. The influence of the wine casks is evident, creating a rich and layered flavour experience with a hint of tannins.

Finish

The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of red fruits and sweet spices. The soft, creamy texture lingers, while the wine cask ageing provides a refined dryness and a hint of oak. A slight nuttiness and a hint of leather add an extra dimension, leaving each sip with a lasting and elegant impression.

Overall impression

Chichibu Ichiro's Wine Wood Reserve is a masterfully balanced whisky that offers a harmonious blend of sweetness, fruitiness and woody complexity. Maturation in French wine casks adds a unique dimension, making this whisky stand out with its rich, layered flavours and refined finish. This whisky is a real treat for aficionados and an excellent choice for special occasions.

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.