Chichibu Ichiros Malt Double Distilleries (Japan)

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 46.5% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Ichiro's Malt Double Distilleries brings together two Japanese distilleries and two generations of the Akuto family. Chichibu supplies the larger share, complemented by malt from the remaining stocks of the closed Hanyu Distillery, founded by Ichiro Akuto's grandfather. This unpeated Leaf Series blended malt carries no age statement. The malts in the blend average around ten years of age.

The malts matured in a range of casks, including ex-bourbon puncheons, hogsheads and other puncheons, as well as Mizunara oak. The Hanyu component also includes whiskies from former sherry hogsheads. Japanese oak contributes sweetness, while the Hanyu casks give the blend a firmer structure. Bottled at 46.5% in 0.7-litre bottles, the whisky comes in gift packaging. It is not chill-filtered and contains no added colouring.

Alongside pronounced malt, floral and fruit notes are almond, macadamia and warming wood spice. Dark chocolate and cherry liqueur accompany a delicate bitterness overlaid with vanilla and citrus; grass and hay add to the fresh, green notes.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Malty sweetness and jasmine open the nose, followed by delicate pepper, vanilla, apricot, orange and mango. Citrus peel and menthol bring freshness, while pine, cedar, fresh wood, green tea ice cream, sesame, rose and violet broaden the aromas.
• Palate: The whisky remains lively and distinctly malty on the palate. Gentle oak accompanies subtle roasted and chocolate notes; mandarin and exotic fruit are followed by hazelnut and walnut with a still-green character.
• Finish: The long finish brings pepper and other spices, fresh fruit and floral notes.

Distillery/Bottler:

Ichiro Akuto founded Venture Whisky Co., Ltd. in 2004 and saved around 400 casks from his family's Hanyu stocks. He launched Ichiro's Malt in 2005. Chichibu Distillery was established in 2007 and received its production licence in 2008. Double Distilleries can therefore unite malt from Akuto's own distillery with whisky from his grandfather's now-closed distillery.

Chichibu runs its own cooperage and a floor-malting facility. During distillation, the team assesses the separation of heads, heart and tails each day using smell and taste, rather than relying solely on fixed timings. For Double Distilleries, Ichiro Akuto combines Chichibu malt with selected stocks from the closed Hanyu Distillery.

Facts: