Chichibu whiskies

History

Ichiro Akuto’s family had founded the Hanyu distillery, which closed at the beginning of this century. Akuto rescued some of the remaining casks and used them to launch a series of highly celebrated bottlings, while creating his own company, Venture Whisky. In 2008 the Chichibu distillery began distilling, with small equipment, Japanese wood fermenters and a commitment to local barley and its own cooperage. Its success has driven the wave of new Japanese craft distilleries. The house has also opened a second distillery in the area.

House style

Chichibu’s style is intense and fruity, with plenty of wood influence: ripe fruit, sweet cereal, vanilla, spice and, in some editions, smoke. The Ichiro’s Malt & Grain blend is smoother and more approachable, with honey, citrus, vanilla and a spicy touch. It is bottled at a good strength, which gives it more body than most blends. The house is also known for its editions with Japanese mizunara oak and wine casks.

Where to start

Ichiro’s Malt & Grain is the most affordable way into the house: a rounded, aromatic blend, good neat or in a highball. Bear in mind that it blends whiskies from several countries, so it isn’t Japanese whisky in the strict sense. If you like it, Chichibu’s malts, harder to find, are the next step. Drink it neat to appreciate the fruit or with soda and plenty of ice, as they do in Japan.

• Ichiro's Malt & GrainBlend · 46.5% ABV