Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain #14915 Allegro

Nose

Subtle smoky notes rise from the glass, with elegant hints of peat. The aroma of smoked mackerel, smoldering BBQ coals, and crispy bacon blends beautifully with exotic fruit. Ripe pineapple, juicy papaya, and fragrant guava are rounded out by a rich hint of vanilla.

Palate

A fascinating interplay between peat and malt. Spiced roast beef meets the creamy softness of manuka honey, while fresh vanilla and candied pineapple bring a sweet balance. Roasted papaya and a hint of rhubarb jam add extra depth.

Finish

Long and layered. The spicy and smoky nuances fade slowly, while the sweet notes of sugared tropical fruit become more pronounced. A whisky that continues to evolve, even long after the last sip.

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.