Chichibu Ichiro's Double Distilleries Batch #122

Ichiro's Double Distilleries is a unique blend that combines the best of two legendary Japanese distilleries: Chichibu Distillery and the now closed Hanyu Distillery more than 20 years ago. This special blended whisky is a tribute to the rich history of the Akuto family.

Tasting note

Nose

The nose opens with an enticing mix of ripe fruits such as apple and pear, complemented by honeyed aromas and hints of vanilla. Floral notes of honeysuckle and rose petals add an elegant dimension. The influence of Chichibu's Mizunara oak casks is evident with subtle hints of sandalwood and incense. From Hanyu come rich, deeper notes of dried fruits like figs and sultanas, combined with hints of dark chocolate and spices.

Taste

A rich and complex flavour reveals itself at the first sip. Notes of juicy pears and apples mingle with layers of caramel and toffee, creating a sweet and creamy texture. The midpalate is dominated by spicy accents such as cinnamon, nutmeg and a hint of pepper. Hanyu distillery influence adds depth with notes of dried fruit and a slight smokiness, while Chichibu's floral and fruity character continues to shine through.

Finish

The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of sweet spices and a gentle smokiness that slowly fades. The exotic touch of Mizunara oak offers hints of sandalwood and incense, while a delicate nuttiness and a hint of leather round out the flavour. The rich and layered finish lingers, leaving each sip with a lingering and refined impression.

Overall impression

Chichibu Ichiro's Double Distilleries is an exceptionally balanced whisky that offers a harmonious blend of sweetness, spiciness and woody complexity. The influence of Mizunara oak and the rich, deep notes of Hanyu Distillery come together beautifully with the fresh, fruity character of Chichibu, making this blend 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.