Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain

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 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.