Chichibu Ichiro's Malt Mizunara Wood Reserve 20cl

Nose

Aromatic and layered with ripe pear, tropical fruit and a hint of coconut. Vanilla and honey follow, with clear mizunara cues of sandalwood, incense and a softly spiced, tea-like edge.

Palate

Soft and precise with fruity sweetness and creamy vanilla. Mizunara brings nutmeg, white pepper and a light floral touch, followed by citrus zest and clean oak structure that keeps everything crisp.

Finish

Long and elegant with lingering spice and that signature incense-like wood note. It closes dry and clean, with warming spice that gently lingers.

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.