Ichiro's Malt & Grain Japanese Blended Whisky Limited Edition 2023 700ml l 48.5%

This whisky is a limited edition special release from Chichibu Distilley limited to only 500 bottles and winning "Best limited edition blend" at the World Whisky Awards. Unlike the standard white label Ichiro's Malt & Grain this blend is comprised entirely of Japanese whiskies using 2 malt components and 1 grain component (Chichibu, Hanyu and Kawasaki which was the sister grain distillery to the mothballed and infamous Karuizawa Distillery.) The whiskies used for this blend are said to be very old, utilising some of Chichibu's oldest casks as well as a large portion of sherry casked malt from Hanyu Distillery and over 40 year old grain whisky from Kawasaki Distillery.

Chichibu Distillery: A Japanese Whisky Distillery with a History

Founded in 2004 by Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the founder of Hanyu Distillery, Chichibu Distillery is located in the Saitama Prefecture in the town of Chichibu. In terms of output, they are one of the smallest distilleries in Japan, producing only a small amount of single malt whisky each year. 

Chichibu’s focus is on using traditional whisky making techniques and ensuring quality in every whisky they produce. They source water from the nearby high mineral content Chichibu River, along with a small amount of peated barley to tie everything together. Chichibu whiskies are highly regarded by whisky enthusiasts, for both the numerous awards they have won over the years and their exceptional balance of flavour, texture and overall quality.