Today japanese whisky is no longer exclusively represented by Suntory and Nikka. Proof is there with the tasting of the new Ichiro's Malt single malt ; Chichibu "On the Way". And good news is already available in Europe !
Chichibu is a small distillery founded in 2007 by Ichiro Akuto and located in the Saitama region at the foot of a mountain range. The local climate with harsh winters and hot summers lead to accelerate aging that gives Chichibu's whiskies a surprisingly complexity and a surprising maturity.
Other things to take into account, the Ichiro Akuto's expertise inherited from his grandfather founder the Hanyu distillery (now closed), determination and above all his passion for whisky. His dream is to one day enjoy a 30 year old Chichibu single malt Chichibu. He's on the way to realize his project with the first step ; producing a 5 year old single malt.
Blend of single malts aged in bourbon casks and one of the first whisky distilled in 2008 in Chichibu aged in japanese oak cask ; the mizunara cask #2.
The "On the Way" so aptly named, provides good things for the Chichibu's whiskies future. Indeed, Ichiro Akuto with its brand Ichiro 's Malt will be the third player in the japanese whisky market in the years to come.
Meanwhile, we invite you to discover our tasting experience of this new japanese single malt.
Kanpaï !
Chichibu "On the Way" is available on Uisuki.
More informations about Chichibu "On the way".
Review by Nicolas