Chichibu 7 Gods of Fortune 10 years 2016 - 2026 Takarabune (the Treasure Ship)

Nose

A classic Chichibu profile with plenty of fruit, vanilla and fresh elegance. Ripe tropical fruit, creamy sweetness and gentle bourbon cask influence come together beautifully, with a clean and refined style.

Palate

Rich and balanced, with tropical fruit, vanilla, creamy malt and a full texture. The first fill bourbon barrel adds depth and sweetness, while fresh notes keep the whisky lively and precise. Despite the high cask strength, the overall impression remains remarkably polished and harmonious.

Finish

Medium long, elegant and slightly dry. The balance between fruit, vanilla, creamy sweetness and refined spice remains beautifully intact through to the clean 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.