Chichibu 2015 - 2021 #4316 Intergalactic Series Edition 5

Nose

A burst of fresh fruits like juicy pear, green apple, and lime, complemented by vanilla and a touch of honey. Subtle floral hints and a note of fresh mint add elegance to the aroma.

Palate

Full-bodied and powerful, with creamy notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and almond. Bright citrus fruits such as lemon and orange zest emerge, accompanied by a delicate spiciness of white pepper and ginger. The bourbon cask contributes layers of caramel and gentle oak.

Finish

Long and refined, with lingering sweetness of honey and vanilla, paired with a refreshing hint of lime and a subtle spiciness. A perfectly balanced and elegant finish.

Chichibu Distillery was established by Ichiro Akuto in Japan’s Saitama Prefecture in 2007 and began distilling in 2008. Akuto comes from a family with a long tradition in sake and whisky. After the family-owned Hanyu Distillery closed, he founded Venture Whisky in 2004 to preserve its remaining casks and release them under the Ichiro’s Malt name. Chichibu allowed him to continue that history in a new form.

The first single malt produced at Chichibu appeared in 2011. The small distillery subsequently developed into one of the most influential names in modern Japanese whisky. A second production site began distilling in 2019, creating additional stocks for future maturation.

Chichibu combines Scottish-inspired copper pot stills with distinctly Japanese elements. Its washbacks are made from mizunara oak, while local barley, floor malting and casks from the company’s own cooperage are used on a small scale. Bourbon, sherry, wine and Japanese oak casks create a wide variety of styles, ranging from fruity and spicy to rich or smoky. Small-scale production and constant experimentation have made Chichibu especially desirable among whisky enthusiasts and collectors.