Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain

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 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.