Chichibu Ichiro's Malt Wine Wood Reserve Batch #72

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.

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.