Product Description:
An Exclusive Debut: A Tribute to Craftsmanship and Innovation
The Chichibu Whisky Australia Edition 2024 marks a monumental moment for whisky enthusiasts in Australia. Following in the footsteps of Chichibu's legendary releases in Paris, London, and Taiwan, this rare Australian edition is an exclusive release, carefully crafted to celebrate the distillery’s dedication to excellence and innovation. With only 480 bottles available, this coveted edition offers a unique opportunity for collectors and whisky aficionados to acquire a piece of Chichibu’s unparalleled artistry.
The Chichibu Distillery, founded in 2007 by Ichiro Akuto, quickly became one of Japan’s most progressive and respected producers of single malt whisky. Known for its hands-on, meticulous production process, Chichibu Whisky is famed for its use of mizunara oak washbacks, hand-stirred mashtuns, and a production scale that remains deliberately small, allowing for intense focus on quality. With the opening of a second, larger distillery in 2019, Chichibu has continued to push the boundaries of craftsmanship while maintaining its commitment to producing some of the finest whiskies in the world.
While this rare edition is designed to be enjoyed now, its complexity and the high-quality craftsmanship of Chichibu whisky ensure that it will continue to evolve beautifully with time, offering an even richer tasting experience if cellared.
Maker | Ichiro Akuto:
Chichibu Distillery was brought to life in 2007 by Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the legendary founder of Hanyu Distillery. With a deep-rooted connection to Japan's whisky heritage, Ichiro set out to carve his own path—combining old-school craftsmanship with a fresh, forward-thinking approach. Located in Chichibu, just north of Tokyo, the distillery sits in a region known for its extreme weather, where the harsh winters and scorching summers play a crucial role in shaping the character of the whisky. Despite Chichibu being relatively new to the scene, Ichiro’s passion and precision have put it firmly on the map, making it one of the most sought-after distilleries in Japan, with each release becoming a must-have for whisky enthusiasts.
Distillery | Chichibu Distillery:
Chichibu Distillery, founded by Ichiro Akuto in 2007, is where tradition meets innovation. Tucked in the town of Chichibu, 100 km north of Tokyo, this small yet powerful distillery thrives in a climate known for its extremes—long, cold winters and hot, humid summers—perfect for whisky maturation. The distillery’s focus is on quality over quantity, crafting small batches with a hands-on approach, and using mineral-rich water from the Chichibu River to create some of the smoothest, most complex single malts around.
What sets Chichibu apart is the attention to detail and the use of peated barley in select releases, giving their whiskies a unique, smoky edge. Though the distillery’s young age might suggest a lack of depth, Chichibu’s whiskies have already earned a serious reputation. With a mix of tradition and modern flair, plus rare stocks from the Hanyu Distillery, Ichiro Akuto’s creations are turning heads, and Chichibu is quickly becoming a name you need to know in the whisky world.
Tasting Notes:
Nose
Aromatic, Spicy, Fruity
Spiced oak, vanilla, and a hint of fresh citrus peel, layered with subtle notes of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple. As the whisky evolves in the glass, delicate nuances of sweet honey and a touch of smoked wood emerge, adding depth and complexity.
Palate
Rich, Smooth, Complex
Smooth texture, with flavours of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and spices like cloves and cinnamon. The mizunara oak offers a distinctive woodsy note that enhances the whisky’s richness, with layers of toffee, baked apple, and a hint of citrus zest balancing the sweetness.
Finish
Long, Balanced, Elegant
A delicate yet firm aftertaste of oak, subtle spice, and toasted nuts. There’s a refreshing cleanliness to the end, with just the right amount of sweetness and tannin to leave a lasting impression of elegance and finesse.
The Finer Details
Style - Japanese Whisky
Country - Japan
Region - Saitama
Size - 700ml
ABV - 52.5%