Chichibu 2009 - 2012 Chibidaru Single Cask #286

The Chichibu 2009 - 2012 Chibidaru Single Cask #286, exclusively bottled for La Maison du Whisky, is a true showcase of the Chichibu Distillery's craftsmanship. Distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2012, this Japanese gem was aged in a Chibidaru cask, a smaller barrel designed to intensify the interaction between the whisky and the wood. This results in a whisky with remarkable depth and character despite its relatively short maturation. As a limited-edition bottling, tailored for true connoisseurs, it perfectly embodies Chichibu’s signature style: refined, complex, and bursting with flavor.

Tasting note

Nose

The nose bursts with honeyed sweetness, featuring notes of vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch, followed by juicy aromas of ripe pear, apricot, and a hint of pineapple. A touch of spice, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, adds warmth, while subtle hints of sandalwood and roasted nuts provide depth.

Palate

The palate is silky and intense. Flavors of creamy toffee, apricot jam, and candied orange fill the mouth, balanced beautifully by light spices such as white pepper and ginger. The wood influence introduces a gentle tannic structure, while a hint of tropical fruit like mango refreshes the profile.

Finish

The finish is medium to long, with lingering sweetness of honey and vanilla, combined with gentle woody spices. The aftertaste offers a soft citrus note and a velvety oak touch, elegantly rounding out the experience.

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.